BP faces lawsuit over alleged toxic dumping in Kenya

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British energy giant BP is facing a lawsuit over allegations that improper toxic waste disposal in two remote villages in northeastern Kenya killed thousands of livestock and caused cancer among hundreds of locals.

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In a petition filed by hundreds of locals, BP is accused of dumping toxins that contaminated groundwater in Kargi and Kalacha villages in Marsabit County, one of Kenya’s poorest regions.

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While BP did not carry out the 1984-1990 oil exploration mission alleged to have left locals suffering from dumped hazardous waste decades on, it bought the US oil firm Amoco that did so in 1998.

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On Thursday, the petitioners’ lawyer formally submitted documents in court to the British company through the foreign affairs ministry, after BP disputed on procedural grounds.

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“For the past three decades Marsabit County has experienced an increased incidence of cancer and persistent deaths and illness of livestock,” the petition reads.

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Lawyer Kelvin Kubai told AFP that BP was being sued because, by acquiring Amoco, “it assumes both liabilities and assets”.

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“British Petroleum has been sued in respect of the legacy activities of Amoco corporation,” Kubai said.

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Court papers seen by AFP show about 200 petitioners — most of whom suffered from various cancers — have died and are now represented by family members, he said.

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“This is an environmental genocide,” he said, warning the numbers could be higher and still rising.

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Lead petitioner Asunta Galgitile told AFP she had cared for several relatives who later died of cancer, which she blamed on contaminated wells from which they drew water.

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Local media have reported groundwater contamination in Kargi village, citing a case in 2000 in which some 7,000 livestock died.

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Research by the University of Nairobi found that “nitrates were five to ten times higher than WHO recommended levels in drinking water”.

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The petitioners have cited other scientific studies in the court papers.

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BP is yet to comment on the lawsuit.

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After Thursday’s court submission, Kubai said: “BP will be forced to make formal responses to our petition”.

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The court has set a mention for June 16 to confirm whether BP has received the lawsuit documents.

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