Residents of Kibigori in Muhoroni Subcounty, Kisumu County, are raising alarm after petroleum products spilled into a tributary of River Nyando, threatening communities, livestock and aquatic life downstream.
The incident occurred at around 3pm on Wednesday, October 8, 2026, in Block 16 Village, Kibigori Sublocation, when a Kenya Pipeline Corporation pipe was reportedly punctured by an excavator operated by Kenya Railways Corporation personnel.
The railway workers were undertaking river-trimming activities as part of ongoing works to repair a bridge when the excavator struck the pipeline, causing petroleum products to leak into the water.
The excavator operator escaped unhurt, and no casualties have been reported so far.
However, residents say the situation is worrying as the petroleum product continues to flow downstream, exposing people and animals to potential danger.
Locals have complained that domestic animals, including cattle, goats and other livestock that depend on the river for drinking water, could be affected by the contamination. Residents are also concerned about wild animals and fish in the river system, with fears that the petroleum product could cause deaths and destroy aquatic life.
Some residents are urging authorities to move with speed to contain the spill and prevent the contaminated water from spreading further downstream.
They are also calling for urgent assessment of the affected area, including testing of the river water to establish the extent of contamination and determine whether it is safe for human and animal use.
The spill has raised fresh concerns among residents who depend on River Nyando and its tributaries for domestic use, livestock and other activities.
Kenya Pipeline Corporation and Kenya Railways Corporation are yet to issue a detailed public statement on the incident and the measures being taken to contain the spill.
Authorities are expected to assess the environmental impact and establish the circumstances that led to the pipeline being punctured.
