Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr in tussle with Kenya Pipeline Company over contamination

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and the Kenya Pipeline Company are tussling over claims of contamination of the only water source for residents of Thange in Kibwezi East Sub-County.

The Senator has written to the company requesting a comprehensive report on what it is doing to protect the lives of the locals.

Mutula Jnr also said he would request the Senate to set up a select committee to inquire into the matter, and threatened to file a suit against Kenya Pipeline.

However, company communications manager Janson Nyantino denied claims that they were not committed to resolving the matter.

"We agreed that we would sink a borehole that would serve Thange primary and secondary schools as well as the local community. Those plans are still underway," said Nyantino.

He added that the company, through its insurer, had started compensating individuals affected by the oil spill.

In June, the company discovered that its pipeline was leaking oil into the river and repaired it.