The investigation over the cause of deaths of fish in Kenyas second largest fresh water lake Lake Naivasha has been shrouded in mystery. While some journalists have suggested that pesticides from the numerous of flower farms are to blame, the CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) Professor Mbithi insisted that the fish deaths was due to lack of oxygen due to an algal bloom caused by high levels of nutrients due to sunny conditions and floods. Flower farmers also denied that the fish deaths could have been due to their effluenets, and they were supported by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kenya Flower Council. The Minister for Public Health Beth Mugo directed immediate inspections and gave flower farmers 7 days out sort out the problem of effluent emissions or go to court. A threat that nobody expects her to actually follow through with.
Well, while the Government of Kenya promises to do toxicology tests while defending flower farmers in the area, the Nation Media did some interesting investigations of their own and came up with shocking findings.
They have now revealed that the deliberate pouring of 2,000 liters of pesticides into the lake are the cause of these fish deaths . This was done intentionally by disgruntled workers who have since been fired!
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While we appreciate that the truth is finally out, this revelation brings us to question whether the government was genuine in it’s investigations regarding the cause of the fish fatalities. We have already seen the Pest Control Board vigorously defend such deadly pesticides such as carbofuran (Furadan) and others despite the environmental and wildlife consequences. It’s no wonder that Kenyans are questioning why the Government is defending flower farmers at a Ramsar Site even though it is known that there is pesticides are finding their way into the lake.
