The Kibos Sugar factory has been singled out as part of the reasons behind water pollution of L.Victoria, right after its immediate River Kibos that drain into Victoria.
Residents claim the miller has been discharging effluent to River Kibos which drains into Lake Victoria.
“Our effort to have the matter addressed by both the national and county governments have failed while we continue to suffer from the pungent smell and the contaminated water which poses a serious risk to our health and that of our animals,” said Mr John Okello, a resident.
According to Kisumu County Environment executive Salmon Orimba, investigations have established that the private sugar miller is releasing toxic chemicals to the river and causing a fertile ground for the mushrooming of water hyacinth in Lake Victoria.
“We have gone to their premises on a number of occasions and have found out that inadequately treated effluent is finding its way into River Kibos, which is causing devastating effects down stream,” said Mr Orimba.
Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, while acknowledging that Kibos Sugar is facing critical challenges in handling its waste, underlined the need to take drastic steps for the matter to be solved once and for all.
“The truth of the matter is that they have been creating too many excuses and in the meantime residents, aquatic life and the environment is suffering,” he said.