Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, seen here at a past event, raises his voice amidst the aftermath of Embakasi’s gas explosion, emphasizing the need for stronger support for victims.PHOTO/(@Sifuna)X
In Summary:
1) Following a gas explosion in Embakasi, political tensions escalate as Senator Sifuna criticizes Governor Sakaja for inadequate support to the victims, threatening to refund the governor’s contribution.
2) ODM leader Raila Odinga and MP Babu Owino join relief efforts, pledging substantial sums, while Sakaja vows a crackdown on illegal gas businesses after visiting the affected area.
The aftermath of the recent gas explosion in Nairobi’s Embakasi East constituency has become a political arena, with leaders engaging in finger-pointing rather than uniting to aid the victims and their families.
The explosion in the Mradi settlement area near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has claimed the lives of at least six people and left 300 others injured.
President William Ruto has ordered the arrest and prosecution of government officials found negligent in their duties leading to the tragic accident.
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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticized Governor Johnson Sakaja for a lack of leadership in response to the disaster.
Amid reports that the County boss contributed a mere Sh280,000 to support the victims, Sifuna threatened to refund the amount, considering it insufficient.
Sifuna, also the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general, accused Sakaja of politicizing the situation, stating, “Someone who has control over our disaster management funds suggesting we provide Sh10,000 (per family) shows how little he cares.”
During the relief efforts, ODM leader Raila Odinga pledged Sh1 million, which was matched by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Sifuna noted that ODM-affiliated lawmakers and the party itself had raised significant sums to aid the victims.
Expressing his readiness to refund Sakaja’s contribution, Sifuna challenged the governor’s decision to approve a gas refilling point near a residential area.
The National and Senate Assembly Standing Energy Committee is set to summon the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) following the explosion.
Governor Sakaja, who returned to the country last night, has announced a crackdown on illegal gas businesses in residential areas across Nairobi County. He visited the affected area to offer condolences to the victims’ families.