The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has instructed the closure of all gas plants situated near residential zones. During a visit to affected families of the Embakasi gas explosion in the Embakasi area, Sakaja announced that all 17 sub-county officials have been empowered to shut down illegal businesses across the county.
“I have instructed sub-county administrators throughout Nairobi County that they will be held accountable for any illegal activities occurring in their jurisdictions that have not been reported,” Sakaja stated.
He further pledged that the proprietor of the illicit gas plant responsible for the Embakasi explosion would face legal charges.
The owner of the illegal gas plant surrendered to authorities on Monday, February 5, amid ongoing investigations into the incident.
Sakaja urged Nairobi residents to promptly report any illegal activities to prevent similar tragedies.
The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage and filling facility implicated in the explosion had previously been denied permits multiple times by the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). EPRA noted that the LPG plant failed to meet the necessary criteria for operation in the area.
The death toll from the gas explosion in the Mradi area of Embakasi East has risen to six, with over 260 individuals injured and several families displaced.
Affected families are being accommodated and provided for at a social hall by the Nairobi County government. While a majority of them have found alternative housing, thirty families remain at the social hall.
“Following the identification and verification of displaced individuals, 148 households and 50 businesses were impacted by the incident. Ongoing psycho-social support for victims and community members is being provided at the Embakasi Health Facility,” the statement read.
