Residents of Owino Uhuru slum in Mombasa County who were affected by lead poisoning have complained of delays in the release of Sh2 billion awarded by the Supreme Court in December.

The villagers, some of whom are still suffering the effects of the poisoning, have say they expected to use the money for treatment but there was no clue when government agencies and investors they had sued will release the cash.

Village chairman Alfred Ogola said he was suffering the effects of the lead poisoning but he has no money to pay for medication. "Lead poisoning has ruined my life, and I cannot walk properly or stand for long.

I urge the government to expedite the compensation of all those affected so we can buy drugs," said Ogola, 70, who said he has relied on milk and pain killers to endure his condition.