The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public safety alert following an incident in which a truck transporting sodium cyanide overturned in the Kambembe area of Rironi, Kiambu County. The spillage of the highly toxic substance has prompted immediate emergency measures.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, in a statement, advised the public to avoid the site and cooperate with emergency response teams working to manage the situation. “The Ministry advises the public to avoid the site of the incident and to cooperate with our emergency and disaster response teams as they work to contain the situation,” Muthoni said.
Muthoni emphasized the severe dangers posed by sodium cyanide, noting its extreme toxicity. “Ingesting or inhaling even small amounts is potentially fatal,” she warned. She also highlighted the threat to aquatic life, explaining that accidental releases into waterways could result in extensive fish kills and long-term ecological damage.
The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring public safety and mitigating risks associated with hazardous substances. The PS detailed essential protective measures, including the use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, and the necessity of adequate ventilation and spill containment systems in environments where sodium cyanide is handled.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, with the Ministry prioritizing swift containment and public safety.