By Christopher Omondi
For years, the River Kibos in Kisumu County has been a victim of severe and recurrent industrial and municipal pollution, leaving residents in a state of despair. As they report, the water often turns a disturbing black color, laden with toxins due to unchecked effluent discharges. Despite their persistent complaints, no serious actions have been sustained.
In early 2026, amidst mounting community outrage and allegations of bribery targeting officials to facilitate illegal dumping, City Manager Abala M. Wanga and dignitaries from the Kisumu County Government visited the companies implicated in these practices. Shortly after their visit, there was a temporary halt in discharges, but, alarmingly, by August 2026, locals reported the discharges had resumed. This time, the water’s condition was described as “darker than black,” coupled with an unbearable chemical smell and visible foam.
During numerous community engagements, frustration and fear have taken center stage. “We raise alarms every time, but nothing changes. The river is black at night. Our children get rashes. Who will save our domestic animals that drink from the river? Cows are falling sick. The question now is, ‘Will we have enough food?’ This is the water we use for irrigation. Buyers are now rejecting our vegetables. Fish are dying and floating all over the river. The smell is unbearable,” stated concerned resident Philip Etale.
Kibos Environmental Justice, a community-based organization (CBO), is at the forefront, monitoring the situation, documenting discharges, and mobilizing residents for action. Their coordinator voiced support for the community’s cause, stating, “River Kibos is in crisis. We welcomed the City Manager’s visit earlier this year and the temporary halt to dumping. But the return of pollution, darker this time, proves dialogue alone is insufficient. We have photos, videos, and water samples. This is a public health emergency, not just an environmental issue. We are ready to partner with NEMA and the County, but we need protection for whistleblowers, and we need prosecution, not just more warnings,” emphasized Mr. John Orwa.
The Kisumu County Government, through its City Manager and Department of Environment, acknowledged the gravity of the issue on their social media platforms and expressed readiness to collaborate with the community. “We recognize the pollution concerns in River Kibos. The City Manager and the County team did engage the company earlier this year, which led to a brief reduction in discharges. We do not condone bribery or illegal dumping. Any officer found culpable will face disciplinary action.”
While the earlier high-level intervention showed community pressure can lead to actions, the sustained enforcement remains painfully lacking. The pollution has now resumed, and without public data on water quality, community trust is evaporating due to bribery allegations. The
ongoing story of River Kibos is one of repeated alarms, superficial action, and relapse. Now more than ever, residents are asking for help. The CBO is eager to monitor the situation. The County and NEMA claim to be taking action. What Kibos truly needs is consistent enforcement, transparency, and justice— not just another visit.
