Kenyans have been warned to exercise caution by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) following the overturn of a truck containing sodium cyanide near the Rironi area on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Following the incident, multiple containers holding the chemical went missing, according to a warning sent by NEMA on Sunday, July 21st.
“The public is cautioned that the contents of the containers are extremely harmful and should immediately report to the nearest police station or Chiefs’ office if they spot the containers,” Nema stated.
Only one jerrican of the poisonous gas has been discovered, according to preliminary reports, with the others still missing.
Public Notice:
Members of the public are hereby notified that there was a road accident that occurred Saturday, 20th July 2024, at Rironi area along the Nairobi- Nakuru highway, Rironi sub location, Limuru Division, Kiambu County.
The truck was carrying toxic chemicals, Sodium… pic.twitter.com/ZP1wJRLE4p
— NEMA Kenya (@NemaKenya) July 21, 2024
On July 20th, the US embassy in Nairobi warned its nationals of a toxic chemical spill that occurred on a Kenyan highway.
The embassy raised concerns in a statement over the chemical spill of sodium cyanide which happened from an overturned truck in the Kambembe area of Rironi, Kiambu County.
“Sodium cyanide spilled from an overturned truck in the Kambembe area of Rironi, Kiambu County. Sodium cyanide is extremely toxic,” stated the embassy.
Additionally, the embassy provided alternate routes for those who wished to make a detour via Limuru Road instead of Waiyaki Way and the junction to Narok.
The public was previously informed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on symptoms to watch out for in the event that someone comes into contact with the chemical.
“Initial symptoms of poisoning include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting, progressing rapidly to unconsciousness and convulsions in severe cases,” advised the ministry.
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