Wajir Senator Demands Probe Into Cancer Surge
He called for the information to be broken down by age, gender, and type of cancer to better understand the pattern of infections and the most affected groups.
Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed has sounded the alarm over a troubling spike in cancer cases in his county, raising fears of toxic and possibly nuclear waste dumping in Northern Kenya.
Speaking in the Senate, the legislator called for immediate investigations into the potential environmental and health threats facing residents.In a formal statement to the Senate, Senator Abass demanded comprehensive data on cancer incidences in Wajir since 2014.
He called for the information to be broken down by age, gender, and type of cancer to better understand the pattern of infections and the most affected groups.
The Senator expressed deep concern that the rise in cancer cases may be linked to long-standing allegations of illegal toxic and nuclear waste dumping in Northern Kenya.
He urged the Senate to seek clarity from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) on any past or ongoing inquiries into the issue in counties such as Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Marsabit, and Isiolo.
“These counties have for years been subject to speculation about being targeted for hazardous waste dumping. We must now treat these rumours with the seriousness they deserve, especially given the alarming health statistics,” Senator Abass told the House.
He called for a full environmental audit of the affected regions to determine whether residents have been exposed to radioactive or chemical pollutants.
If contamination is discovered, he demanded immediate clean-up operations and the implementation of long-term protection strategies for affected communities.
The Senator also emphasized the need for a clear government response plan, including both emergency interventions and lasting solutions to prevent future exposure.
“We cannot afford to gamble with the lives of our people. If waste was dumped, someone must be held accountable, and action must be taken swiftly,” he said.
His concerns have been officially referred to the Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, for further investigation and recommendations.
The call for a probe comes amid rising public concern over unexplained illnesses and increased cancer-related deaths in arid and semi-arid areas, where healthcare infrastructure remains limited.
The outcome of the Senate’s inquiry could have far-reaching implications for environmental policy and public health in Kenya’s northern frontier.
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