More families in the Mradi area of Embakasi have been evacuated amid reports of another gas leakage at the site of the catastrophic explosion.
Kenya Red Cross in a statement on Monday, February 5, 2024, said its team swiftly sprang into action amid reports of another gas leak at the doomed filling station.
The humanitarian organization said they successfully evacuated families to ensure their safety.
“Swiftly responding to a reported gas leak where the recent fire tragedy took place in Embakasi, we have successfully advised and evacuated families to ensure their safety in a safer area,” the Red Cross said.
Arrests, prosecutions
The evacuations by the Red Cross come after the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) suspended at least four officials as investigations into the issuance of a license to the Embakasi gas-filling plant continue.
NEMA moved with speed to suspend the four officials hours after President William Rut ordered the immediate sacking, arrest and prosecution of government officials who issued licences to the gas filling plant that exploded in Embakasi on the night of February 1, 2024.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for Chekalini Market in Lugari, Kakamega County on Saturday, January 3, 2024, Ruto blamed the explosion on corrupt government officials.
The President lamented that State officials issued licences to the gas filling plant when it was obvious that the facility posed an existential threat to residents.
“Kule Nairobi juzi kumetokea mlipuko ya mambo ya gas na wanainchi wengi wameumia kwa sababu ya uzembe na ulaghai na mambo ya ufisadi ya officers wa serikali. Kuna watu wameenda wakaweka leseni kwa residential areas mahali wananchi wanakaa wanaatarisha maisha ya wananchi,” Ruto said.
“Kule Nairobi juzi kumetokea mlipuko ya mambo ya gas na wanainchi wengi wameumia kwa sababu ya uzembe na ulaghai na mambo ya ufisadi ya officers wa serikali. Kuna watu wameenda wakaweka leseni kwa residential areas mahali wananchi wanakaa wanaatarisha maisha ya wananchi,” Ruto said.
The head of state further ordered the immediate sacking of government officials who were involved in issuing the licences for the Embakasi gas plant.
