Residents of Owino Uhuru during past protests. [Photo/standardmedia.co.ke]
A section of Owino Uhuru residents in Mombasa County has sued the national government, the county government of Mombasa, the AttorneyGeneral, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) over damage caused by a lead factory set up in the area. The residents have also filed a case against the Metal Refinery EPZ Ltd, Export Processing Zone Authority and Penguin Paper and Book Company.The residents have complained that the factory, which was started in 2006, has brought them more harm than good.According to the residents, more than 20 persons in the area have died due to lead poisoning.The firm, which is linked to a tycoon and former prominent politician, was established to collect used batteries from different parts of the country for smelting. The effluent and smoke emissions from the firm have affected the residents in different ways, causing respiratory diseases and other illnesses.On Monday, the residents appeared before Justice Ann Amollo as they sought to be compensated for the losses they have suffered since the establishment of the firm. The residents also want those who were affected to be treatment by the government.Justice Amollo warned that this is the last time the matter will be heard after the respondents failed to file their responses since 2014 when the matter was first brought to court.The Judge gave the Attorney General and NEMA 45 days to file their responses, failure to which the case will proceed with them.Charles Onyango, the residents’ lawyer, said seven experts will testify in the case to demonstrate the level of lead poison in the area and the damage it has caused to residents.