Kenya's High Court has cleared a class action lawsuit by 299 residents against a multinational British oil company accused of toxic waste dumping in the 1980s. Petitioners link over 500 deaths to contaminated drinking water in the Chalbi Desert. The suit also names Kenyan government ministries for failing to act.
The High Court issued its ruling on April 16, 2026, allowing the case filed in February at the Land and Environment Court in Isiolo to proceed. Petitioners allege the company dumped hazardous materials, including radium isotopes, arsenic, lead, and nitrates, in unlined pits or left them exposed during 1980s oil exploration near Kargi and Kalacha in the Chalbi Desert.
The contamination poisoned drinking water sources, sickened residents, and killed livestock, according to court documents. More than 500 locals have died from cancers and other illnesses linked to the polluted water, reports indicate.
The suit accuses Kenyan ministries and agencies for environment, water, mining, and health of failing to act despite evidence. It seeks accountability for decades of environmental damage and health impacts in the groundwater-reliant region.
The company has not publicly responded, with attempts to contact it unanswered. Court proceedings are set to resume in May for further hearings and evidence.