Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga and Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, have jointly contributed Ksh2 million to assist victims of the Embakasi gas explosion.
In a statement on Saturday, February 3, Babu announced the benevolent gesture revealing that Raila had sent him Ksh1 million to aid the fire victims.
In addition to this generous donation, Babu Owino said he contributed an extra Ksh1 million bringing the total contribution to Ksh2 million.
“Today morning H.E Baba Raila Amolo Odinga sent me 1 million Kenya Shillings to help the fire victims. In addition, I have donated an extra 1 million shillings towards this noble cause, totalling 2 million shillings. Other Azimio Leaders are also contributing towards this. God bless Kenya, and please pray for Embakasi East,” Babu urged.
Today morning H.E Baba Raila Amolo Odinga sent me 1 million Kenya Shillings to help the fire https://t.co/ddVypsHXww addition I have donated an extra 1million shillings towards this noble cause totaling to 2 million shillings.Other Azimio Leaders are also contributing towards…
— Babu Owino (@HEBabuOwino) February 3, 2024
Gov’t to give fire victims Ksh5,000
Raila and Babu Owino’s generous donations come hot on the heels of the government announcing that the fire victims will each receive Ksh5,000 to help the victims get essentials in this time of need.
The announcement was made by Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris when she visited one of the hospitals where the victims are receiving medical attention.
“We are giving them Ksh5,000 each because we know that tonight they will need a place to sleep as well as food,” Passaris said during her visit to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital on Friday, February 2, 2024.
The legislator also said that the medical expenses for the patient have been exempted as per a prior order from the Nairobi County Governor, Johnson Sakaja.
Additionally, it was mentioned that the county has ensured the availability of required medication for those affected by the explosion.
“We got a quick response from friends and we were able to buy medication and we realised that we need to help the hospital stock up. We have bought medicine of about Ksh400,000 which are on their way coming here to stock the hospital and there will be others coming in.”
Cause of Embakasi fire
The government attributed the source of the blast to a truck that exploded, triggering a massive fireball that engulfed a nearby warehouse.
“One lorry with an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely.
“A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown, which deals with garments and textiles. Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses,” Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said in a statement.
The fire spread to the neighbouring residential areas, and so far, three deaths have been confirmed by the state.
“Sadly, residential houses in the neighbourhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night.
“As a result, two fellow Kenyans have regrettably lost their lives while being attended to at the Nairobi West Hospital,” the statement added.
