Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has sounded a warning over a worrying surge in cancer cases in the North Eastern region, linking the spike to alleged historical dumping of nuclear waste in the area.
Speaking on Tuesday before the National Assembly Committee on Environment, Governor Jama revealed that 2,437 cancer cases have been recorded in Garissa and surrounding counties since 2023. According to the data presented, 440 cases were reported in 2023, 1,347 in 2024, and 650 as of June 2025, with throat cancer being the most prevalent, particularly in rural communities.
Jama called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the alleged dumping, which he claimed has severely affected the health of local populations. “We hope that this time the committee will conduct proper investigations to bring out the truth. It will be a shame if this matter is not carried out with the speed that is required,” he said.
Wajir South MP Mohammed Adow backed the governor’s claims, alleging that nuclear waste was buried deep in the ground using large shipping containers. “When you talk to eyewitnesses, people who worked for these companies that were doing the dumping, they will tell you they were made to dig from Monday to Friday. The material was housed in metal containers like the ones used for shipping,” Adow explained.
The MP further emphasized that investigation alone was insufficient and urged the government to initiate a clean-up operation to excavate the alleged toxic waste and ensure public safety. “This is a crime. The people need to be given confidence that the authorities are responsible enough to reverse the irresponsibility done in those past years,” he said.
The allegations gained traction in 2024 when former Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo, during an interview with lawyer PLO Lumumba, claimed that the regime of the late President Daniel Arap Moi had sanctioned the dumping of toxic nuclear waste in parts of North Eastern Kenya, including Garissa and Wajir. Jirongo alleged he had seen official documents confirming the activity, reportedly shown to him by a lawyer with close ties to the political elite at the time.
The issue remains contentious, with local leaders demanding justice and accountability. The committee is now under pressure to launch a comprehensive inquiry and take concrete action to protect affected communities from further exposure.
Written By Rodney Mbua
