The Mountain Journal
Villagers in Kambembe village in Kiambu are on the spot following suspicion some fled with jerricans of highly toxic sodium cyanide chemicals on Saturday night.
The villagers are suspected to have collected the jerricans full of the chemical after the truck transporting them to an unknown destination was involved in an accident along the Nairobi- Nakuru highway.
On Sunday, the government officials in Kiambu county concentrated in the remote village in a door to door search for the highly toxic sodium cyanide chemicals.
The public health and chiefs moved around the village pleading with the residents who could have picked the chemical to return it owing to the toxic substance.
After the truck overturned while coming from the Nairobi direction reports indicated that tens of villagers fled with the jerricans containing the substance.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni advised the public to avoid the site of the incident and to cooperate with our emergency and disaster response teams as they work to contain the situation.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring public safety and managing the risks associated with hazardous substances. Further updates will be provided as more information,” said the PS in a public notice.
Dr Kamami Murichu said the government should establish the source of the substance and its destination.
“ The chemical is poisonous as it can wipe out the entire village, thus the need for the introduction of safety measures,” said Murichu.
Toxicity and Poisoning Sodium cyanide is extremely toxic. Ingestion or inhalation of even small amounts can be fatal. Exposure can cause immediate symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting.
Public Advisory
The Ministry advises the public to avoid the site of the incident and to cooperate with our emergency and disaster response teams as they work to contain the situation. The Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring public safety and managing the risks associated with hazardous chemical.
