BP Faces Kenyan Lawsuit Over 1980s Oil Waste Claims

A Kenyan High Court has permitted a class action lawsuit against BP to proceed, alleging environmental contamination in northern Kenya. The lawsuit claims decades of toxic waste disposal from oil exploration activities has polluted drinking water sources.

The suit, initially filed in February by 299 petitioners at the Land and Environment Court in Isiolo, centers on activities conducted in the 1980s by Amoco Corporation, which BP later acquired in 1998.

Oil Exploration Activities

Amoco Corporation conducted oil exploration in the Chalbi Desert near Kargi and Kalacha, drilling several dry wells during that period. The lawsuit alleges improper disposal and release of hazardous and toxic contaminants into the environment during these operations.

Allegations of Contamination and Health Impacts

Petitioners claim the waste, containing radioactive materials such as radium isotopes, arsenic, lead, and nitrates, was dumped in unlined pits or left exposed, contaminating groundwater. The suit alleges that over 500 residents living near the exploration sites died from cancers and other illnesses linked to the contaminated water. Livestock deaths are also attributed to the pollution.

Government Oversight

The lawsuit also accuses Kenyan government ministries and agencies responsible for environment, water, mining, and health of failing to take action despite evidence of contamination.

Legal Proceedings

The case is scheduled to resume in May. BP has not issued a public response and declined to comment on the lawsuit.