Kenya High Court Allows Class Action Lawsuit Against BP Over 1980s Toxic Waste
The High Court in Kenya has ruled that a class action lawsuit against British multinational oil and gas company BP can proceed. The case, filed by 299 petitioners in February at the Land and Environment Court in Isiolo, alleges that BP is responsible for severe environmental pollution caused by improper toxic waste disposal during oil exploration activities in northern Kenya in the 1980s. The exploration was originally conducted by Amoco Corporation, which BP acquired in 1998. Plaintiffs claim that hazardous contaminants, including radioactive materials, heavy metals, and carcinogens such as radium isotopes, arsenic, and lead, were dumped in unlined pits. This alleged contamination of groundwater has reportedly sickened or killed hundreds of residents and livestock, with over 500 deaths linked to cancers and other illnesses. The lawsuit also accuses several Kenyan government ministries of failing to act despite evidence of the contamination. BP has not yet issued a public response to the ruling. The case is scheduled to resume in May, marking a significant legal development for communities seeking accountability for historical environmental damage.
Wire timeline
Kenya High Court Allows Class Action Lawsuit Against BP Over 1980s Toxic Waste
The High Court in Kenya has ruled that a class action lawsuit against British multinational oil and gas company BP can proceed. The case, filed by 299 petitioners in February at the Land and Environment Court in Isiolo, alleges that BP is responsible for severe environmental pollution caused by improper toxic waste disposal during oil exploration activities in northern Kenya in the 1980s. The exploration was originally conducted by Amoco Corporation, which BP acquired in 1998. Plaintiffs claim that hazardous contaminants, including radioactive materials, heavy metals, and carcinogens such as radium isotopes, arsenic, and lead, were dumped in unlined pits. This alleged contamination of groundwater has reportedly sickened or killed hundreds of residents and livestock, with over 500 deaths linked to cancers and other illnesses. The lawsuit also accuses several Kenyan government ministries of failing to act despite evidence of the contamination. BP has not yet issued a public response to the ruling. The case is scheduled to resume in May, marking a significant legal development for communities seeking accountability for historical environmental damage.
AP News