By Maureen Mudi
The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has sounded the alarm over the 10,000 litres of waste oil spilled at Kibarani in Mombasa.
Yesterday, officials from the authority inspected the scene and confirmed that the oil had seeped into the Tudor Creek. They said it posed a danger to mangrove trees and other marine life.
Speaking to the Press at the scene, KMA Director-General Nancy Karigithu said the authority had mobilised stakeholders to prevent damage to marine life.
"After establishing there was a threat to the environment, we embarked on a contingency plan and put in place measures to disperse the oil," said Ms Karigithu.
The spill followed an accident at Kibarani on the Makupa Causeway on Wednesday evening after a loaded trailer rolled and spilled the cargo.
Colour changed
Three occupants escaped but the driver was trapped in the cabin and was rescued five hours later.
Karigithu said the authority had put sandbags and other measures at the scene to prevent further seepage of oil into the sea. The mangroves, which got into contact with the oil have changed colour.
She said 70 experts had been sent to the site to contain the situation before the high tide.
KMA official Peter Mbereri said it would take two weeks to clear the damage.
