Deadly Sodium Cyanide Spill Prompts US Warning on Kenyan Road Travel

The recent sodium cyanide spill in Rironi, Kiambu County, has raised safety concerns and prompted swift action from local and international authorities.

On July 20, a truck transporting the highly toxic chemical to Congo overturned in the Kambembe area, resulting in a hazardous spill. In response, the United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued an advisory urging its citizens to avoid Highway A104 in the affected region due to the extreme toxicity of the substance. This comes after the Ministry of Health issued an urgent warning, emphasizing the severe health risks associated with sodium cyanide exposure. This chemical, widely used in various industrial processes including gold mining and pharmaceutical production, can be lethal even in small quantities if ingested or inhaled.

Symptoms of exposure range from headaches and dizziness to more severe effects such as loss of consciousness and convulsions. Long-term exposure can lead to neurological damage, thyroid dysfunction, and cardiovascular issues. Kiambu County officials have launched efforts to recover any chemical containers that may have been taken from the accident site. During a public awareness campaign in the villages of Kamandura and Rironi, health officials discovered a concealed tank of the chemical in a residential property.

Local authorities including Rironi area chief Charles Kariuki have urged residents to return any containers without fear of repercussions. Sodium cyanide can cause devastating damage to aquatic ecosystems if it enters waterways, resulting in extensive fish kills and long-lasting environmental harm. While the chemical does degrade over time, its immediate effects necessitate urgent containment and cleanup measures. The accident has highlighted the critical need for stringent safety protocols in the transportation and handling of hazardous materials. Kiambu Base Commander Aggripina Lugonzo confirmed that emergency response teams were quickly mobilized to secure the accident scene until experts could properly manage the cargo.

The transporting company was contacted to arrange for the collection of the remaining cylinders, and investigations into the cause of the accident have already commenced. Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reiterated the extreme dangers posed by sodium cyanide and advised the public to avoid the affected area and cooperate with emergency and disaster response teams.