A group of rural Kenyans is taking a major American oil company to court, alleging that its failed drilling operation in the 1980s has left a trail of devastating health consequences. Amoco, now a subsidiary of British Petroleum (BP), conducted oil prospecting in western Kenya, but abandoned the site without properly cleaning up the environmental mess. Decades later, residents in the affected areas claim to have seen a significant spike in cancer cases, with many attributing the rise to the toxic chemicals left behind by the drilling operation. As the lawsuit gains momentum, it raises important questions about corporate accountability and the right to a clean and healthy environment.
Amoco, now part of BP, never cleaned up after its failed oil prospecting mission. Rural Kenyans are suing for a right to a clean environment. The post An American Company Drilled for Oil in Kenya — and Left Behind Soaring Cancer Rates appeared first on The Intercept.
