Kenyan Court allows landmark BP toxic waste lawsuit to proceed
A Kenyan court has allowed a class action lawsuit against BP to proceed over allegations of toxic waste dumping during oil exploration in the 1980s, which contaminated groundwater in northern Kenya and led to over 500 deaths and massive livestock losses. The case, filed by 299 residents of Kargi and Kalacha in Marsabit County, claims that hazardous materials like radium, arsenic, and lead were left in unlined pits by Amoco Corporation, later acquired by BP. Backed by civil society network PARAAN, the lawsuit could set a precedent for similar cases across northern Kenya where oil exploration allegedly caused environmental and health damage.
- ▪The lawsuit alleges toxic waste from 1985–1993 oil exploration contaminated groundwater, killing over 500 people and thousands of livestock.
- ▪BP acquired Amoco Corporation, which conducted the exploration, in 1998.
- ▪The case is supported by PARAAN, representing 37 organizations across nine Kenyan counties and three East African countries.
- ▪Similar allegations of toxic dumping have emerged in Garissa, Wajir, and Isiolo counties.
- ▪The court’s ruling allows the case to proceed to a full hearing on May 6 but does not establish BP’s liability.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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