Following President William Ruto’s directive to arrest government officials responsible for issuing permits to the Embakasi gas plant, new details have surfaced regarding how the plant’s owner attracted customers with discounted gas refills.
According to a survivor’s account reported in Sunday’s Nation publication, the owner employed a strategy of offering affordable gas refills to entice customers.
The revelation sheds light on the risky practices that may have contributed to the tragic incident at the gas plant.
The survivor disclosed that the owner charged a mere Sh500 for refilling a 6kg gas cylinder, while a 13kg cylinder was priced at Sh800.
The affordability of these refills was a key factor in attracting customers, who were unaware of the potential dangers they were exposing themselves to.
“He charged Sh500 for 6kg and Sh800 for 13kg. We didn’t know we were playing with fire,” remarked a resident, emphasizing the lack of awareness among customers regarding the hazards associated with the gas refilling practices.
As the crackdown on the gas plant owner intensifies, reports suggest that the owner is willing to surrender to the police.
The incident, which resulted in three fatalities and over 200 injuries, has triggered widespread reactions from Kenyans online and leaders alike, all calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
In response to the crisis, Azimio la Umoja, a key coalition in Kenya’s political landscape, demonstrated solidarity with the victims.
Former Prime Minister and leader of Azimio la Umoja, Raila Odinga, donated Sh1 million towards assisting the victims of the gas plant explosion.
The unfolding events underscore the urgent need for comprehensive investigations into safety practices at such facilities.
The affordability-driven approach adopted by the gas plant owner raises concerns about potential compromises in safety standards, contributing to the devastating consequences witnessed at Embakasi.
As the nation awaits further developments in the investigation, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent safety measures in handling hazardous materials.
The response from both authorities and political figures highlights the collective demand for accountability and justice for the victims of this preventable tragedy.
