At least two people have been killed and 222 others injured in a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) explosion in Embakasi East Constituency, Nairobi. The gas explosion led to the deaths of at least two people. Embakasi gas explosion kills two, injures hundreds Authorities reported that the explosion came from a truck that was transporting gas cylinders from a questionably operating LPG plant in the area. The fire incident that took place in the Embakasi Mradi estate near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has ignited a public uproar, with Kenyans wondering how a gas plant was allowed to conduct its operation within a residential area. As Kenyans called out relevant authorities for literally resorting to a firefighting approach after lives had been lost, it emerged that the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) had declared the firm behind the refilling of LPG illegal. EPRA declared Embakasi gas company illegal After the declaration, it is not clear why the firm in question continued to operate, despite some members of the public disclosing that they reported their concerns over the location of the gas company to agencies like the National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA). In a video that has recirculated following the tragedy that took place late at night, Citizen TV captured an incident where EPRA officials and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives cracked down at the questionable firm in Embakasi. During the crackdown in Embakasi, three people were arrested while emptying gas from a truck into cylinders, against standard operating procedures. Video of EPRA raid at Embakasi gas plant In the undated video, EPRA vowed to track down the masterminds behind the business, and it is puzzling how the form resumed operations. The regulatory body declared the company illegal and warned Kenyans against purchasing gas cylinders or refilling them from unregulated companies. “They were arrested? And then? The government is the weakest link to the safety of its people. I don’t understand how a government can argue that they warned someone, but they didn’t listen,” Evangeline Wanyama responded to the video on X. What you need to know about the Embakasi gas explosion Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the fire happened in the Kentainers area and had damaged several buildings and vehicles. Terrified residents could be seen and heard screaming as the fire razed across buildings in the night incident. It was a heartbreaking moment as survivors of the incident narrated chilling experiences, some unaware of the whereabouts of their loved ones.
by Michael Ollinga Oruko
