Nairobi landlord Samson Morwabe amidst the aftermath of the devastating Embakasi explosion. PHOTO|COURTESY
Summary:
- Gas explosion in Embakasi on February 1 leaves landlord devastated, losing his home and 30 rental properties.
Samson Morwabe, a landlord and retired government official, faces a harrowing ordeal after a devastating gas explosion rocked Embakasi late in the evening of February 1, 2024. The explosion not only shattered his home but also razed to the ground 30 rental properties he had meticulously built as his retirement plan.
In a heart-wrenching interview with the media, Morwabe expressed the depth of his loss, revealing that his entire life’s work was consumed by the flames of the explosion. “I was a government employee, and now I am retired. All my life is here. When the entire building went up in flames, I was left with nowhere else to turn for support,” he recounted.
The tragedy struck suddenly on Thursday night, catching Morwabe and his tenants unaware. Recalling the chaotic moments, Morwabe recounted how his instincts drove him to safety, albeit with immense loss.
“Right now, I do not have any money or anywhere else to get clothing. As you see, the clothes I am wearing right now don’t fit me. All my clothes, beddings, and utensils were destroyed,” he lamented.
Residents of the area had previously raised concerns about the gas plant’s presence in a residential neighborhood, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Despite the tragedy, they now demand accountability from the plant’s owner and others involved.
The aftermath of the explosion has left over 300 people affected, with many seeking refuge at a community center in Embakasi. Governor Johnson Sakaja has pledged compensation for those affected.
Meanwhile, the owner of the gas-filling plant has denied allegations of negligence, shifting blame to the owner of the truck involved in the explosion.
As investigations continue and the community grapples with the aftermath, the scars of the Embakasi explosion serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for safety measures and accountability in industrial operations.