11 cows die after drinking suspected contaminated water in Migori

Police are investigating an incident where 11 cows died after drinking contaminated water believed to have leaked from a nearby gold leaching plant in Kowino, Suna, Migori County.

The incident was reported on March 8, 2026 at around 2:30 p.m. by a local resident.

The owner of the cows said he had taken his cattle to a nearby grazing field at about 8:00 a.m. before returning home and leaving them to graze.

When he returned to check on the animals at around 11:00 a.m., he found that all 11 cows had died.

The animals are suspected to have consumed water from a nearby source believed to have been contaminated by chemicals leaking from a gold leaching facility operating in the area.

Police officers from the National Police Service visited the scene and confirmed the incident. Preliminary findings indicated a possible chemical leakage from the plant that may have polluted nearby water sources.

Officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), veterinary officers, and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations also visited the site to assess the situation and begin investigations.

Police documented the area while veterinary and public health officials supervised the disposal of the animal carcasses to prevent further environmental or health risks.

Authorities have since advised residents in the surrounding area to stop using borehole water until further notice, pending environmental testing and safety assessments.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the contamination and whether the gold processing facility violated environmental safety regulations.