Kenya: Kenyans sue BP over groundwater pollution claims.

SHOTLIST: ISIOLO, KENYA (MAY 6, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF KENYANS GATHERING AT ISIOLO COURT BUILDING TO FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST BP 2. VARIOUS OF PLAINTIFFS IN ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS COURTROOM LISTENING TO JUDGE SPEAKING 3. VARIOUS OF PLAINTIFFS LEAVING COURTROOM, LAWYER INFORMING PLAINTIFFS, PLAINTIFFS LEAVING BY BUSISIOLO, KENYA - MAY 6: Nearly 300 Kenyans filed a lawsuit against British energy giant BP on Wednesday, May 6, over allegations of groundwater pollution during 1980s oil exploration activities. The legal action, brought by 299 residents of Kargi and Kalacha villages, claims that Amoco Corporation—later acquired by BP—discarded toxic waste into open pits between 1985 and 1993. Plaintiffs allege that hazardous materials, including radioactive isotopes, arsenic, and lead, contaminated local water sources. According to court filings, the pollution caused over 500 human deaths and significant livestock losses. The claimants seek compensation, a comprehensive environmental cleanup, and accountability from Kenyan state agencies for their perceived inaction. The Environment and Land Court in Isiolo ordered the inclusion of Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in the case and gave defendants 14 days to respond.