The Ministry of Health (MoH) has released another update regarding the overturned truck carrying sodium cyanide along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Sodium cyanide, a highly dangerous poison commonly used in gold refining, was involved in the incident.
MoH Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reported that the ministry, working in coordination with relevant ministries and the Kiambu County government, has successfully managed the situation.
While the site has been cleared and deemed safe for normal use, it has been noted that several drums of the toxic chemical are missing and are suspected to be in the possession of individuals in the surrounding community.
“The public is cautioned not to touch damaged containers or spilled material unless when wearing protective clothing.
She said that sodium cyanide is extremely toxic, and even small amounts of ingestion or inhalation can be fatal.
“In case of contact, affected individuals should immediately flush their skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes and contact the Public Health Emergency Operation Center at 0729471414 or080072136 (toll-free), and the National Disaster Operation Centre at 0800721571for assistance,” she said.
Muthoni said that although there have been no cases of poisoning reported, the ministry has initiated risk communication and community engagement through churches, primary care networks, community health promoters, national government administration officers, and the Nyumba Kumi initiative.
“These efforts aim to track, monitor, and secure any chemicals that may have wrongfully ended up in the community.”
The public is advised to avoid touching damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing protective clothing. To reduce exposure, small spills should be covered with dry earth, dry sand, or other non-combustible materials.
Residents who may have come into contact with the chemical are urged to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility. A temporary station, operated by the Kiambu County Health Department, has been set up near the incident site to assist, advise, and support individuals who may have trouble reaching health facilities.
Those in possession of the missing chemicals are asked to surrender them to the personnel at the temporary station or call the provided emergency numbers for instructions on how to return the chemicals to the authorities.
