Police in Limuru revealed that the hazardous chemical Sodium Cyanide was ferried in matatus to destinations outside Kiambu.
While speaking after conducting preliminary investigations, the police stated that after the truck ferrying the Cyanide overturned, several individuals stole the cylinders.
According to eyewitness accounts relayed to the Police, the cyanide cylinders were packed in matatus headed towards Rift Valley.
“ We are told that some were carried away, people saw matatus and other vehicles loading and taking them towards Riftvalley,” stated Charles Mukele, Deputy Commissioner Limuru.
However, the police stated having recovered 8 cylinders of the stolen poisonous chemical Sodium Cyanide.
Sixteen of the 24 stolen cylinders were still on the loose stated the Police, while urging those in possession to surrender them to the nearest police station.
Further, the Police revealed that the owners of the truck were expected to arrive in Kiambu and provide antidotes for those who may have suffered exposure to the hazardous chemical.
A statement released on Tuesday by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) stated that the truck which was en route to Kampala from Nairobi was carrying 414 drums each weighing 50 kilograms.
“The truck of known registration was carrying 414 drums each weighing 50 kgs containing Sodium Cyanide white pellets (solid form) wrapped in water proof black plastic bags and sealed in metallic containers at the time of the accident,” stated NEMA.
386 drums were recovered from the accident truck intact and transferred to another truck while 8 drums were retrieved from members of the public within the area.
NEMA also confirmed that the Ministry of Health, Kenya National Police Service and an officer from the National Government were coordinating incident response measures including clean-up and clearing of the scene of the accident.
Members of the public were requested to keep an eye out for the missing containers or any spills on the environment incase of any alarm, they should inform the area chief, or the nearest police post or call NEMA Incident Hotline number 0741 101100.
