Embakasi Gas Explosion: Four Arrested As Detectives Launch Manhunt For Five Other Suspects

NAIROBI Kenya February 6 -At least four suspects have so far been arrested over the January 1 gas explosion that has so far claimed six lives and left more than 300 others injured.

Police headquarters on Tuesday said those arrested included the owner of the premises Derrick Kimathi and three senior officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

The NEMA officials have been identified as David Ongare (Director of Environment Compliance), Joseph Makau (Head of Environmental Impact Assessment) and Mirrian Kioko.

Detectives however said five other suspects were still at large and were being sought.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects yet to be arrested are Stephen Kilonzo (the site manager); Ann Kabiri Mirungi (NEMA), Lynette Cheruyoit (NEMA); truck driver Robert Gitau and Abraham Mwangi (driver).

The explosion took place at an illegal liquid petroleum gas (LPG) gas refilling point at Mradi Area of Embakasi, Nairobi on February 1, 2024 at around 11.30 pm.

The LPG refilling site is rented by Kimathi who is the prime suspect in the case and was put under the management of one Stephen Kilonzo, according to the detectives.

Several motor vehicles, business premises and residential houses were also destroyed by the harrowing inferno.

The garage specialized in repairing only trucks transporting LPG but it was later revealed that it was an illegal gas filling plant which was preferred for its cheaper gas.

Following the incident, the government announced a raft of measures to ensure compliance in the sector.

They include undertaking a fresh risk assessment for all LPG plants with the view of closing all non-compliant sites, demolishing all illegal sites, an immediate rollout of a government LPG growth strategy and strengthening the LPG data verification framework, among other measures.

The Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the victims were admitted in various hospitals including the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).

KUTRRH has seen a total of 27 patients, with eight already discharged and 19 currently under care, including 10 males, six females, and three minors.

KNH received 67 patients from the incident, with six in critical condition, suffering from severe burns.