The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on Sunday in a statement warned that some Kenyans had stolen Sodium Cyanide from an overturned lorry in Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
NEMA revealed that investigations had revealed that some containers were missing from the lorry that had overturned on Saturday, July 20, in the Rironi area in Limuru, Kiambu County.
Earlier, the Ministry of Health had sounded a warning that the chemical was toxic and poisonous and could cause fatalities within minutes of exposure to humans.
“Several containers have been reported missing. The public is cautioned that the contents of the containers are extremely harmful and should immediately report to the nearest police station or chief's office if they spot the containers,” NEMA warned.
“The public is also cautioned against coming into contact with the contents of containers, which are white substances in pellet form.”
Of the remaining Sodium Cyanide containers, NEMA revealed that the owner of the chemicals had undertaken the collection and cleaning of the area where the lorry had overturned.
This was done under the supervision of NEMA, the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities.
NEMA indicated that the chemical was being transported to an undisclosed mining site in Kenya.
The Ministry of Health noted that the chemical was extremely toxic and ingestion or inhalation of even small amounts could be fatal.
“Severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and convulsions within minutes,” Kenyans were warned.
Fear has been raised that the chemical could find its way into waterways and cause extensive fish kills as well as long-term damage to aquatic ecosystems.
On Sunday, the United States Embassy in Kenya warned Americans against using the road section where the lorry overturned.
