DCI Makes First Arrest After Embakasi Explosion

However, DCI has yet to state the charges preferred against the watchman whose identity is still unknown. 

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 2, 2024 - 10:32 Updated: Feb 2, 2024 - 10:35
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DCI Makes First Arrest After Embakasi Explosion
Screengrabs of a huge explosion reported at Embakasi, Nairobi on February 2, 2023. /VIRAL TEA KE

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday, February 2 arrested a watchman following a huge explosion that occurred in the Mradi area, Embakasi, Nairobi late Thursday night.

Viral Tea is aware that the watchman who was tasked with guarding the premises where the gas-laden lorry was stationed, was apprehended by DCI detectives who were given 48 hours to investigate the case. 

However, DCI has yet to state the charges preferred against the watchman whose identity is still unknown. 

Reports also pointed out two mechanics linked to the case which saw two people killed and 222 injured so far. Residents had claimed that they were spotted repairing a broken-down car close to the site of the explosion.

Aftermath of a huge explosion reported at Embakasi, Nairobi on February 2, 2023. /VIRAL TEA KE

The embattled residents claimed that they detected the scent of leaking gas at around 10 pm, to which they warned the mechanics against jump-starting the car as the sparks would have caused a fire. However, the mechanics proceeded, leading to the fatal explosion.

The severity of the situation has prompted a crackdown on illegal gas-related activities, with three individuals already arrested for unauthorised gas transfer from a truck to cylinders.

Earlier, some residents had accused the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of ignoring concerns raised regarding the gas facility polluting the air in the area, posing an environmental risk to residents.

"You can imagine the last two months I lived in that house, I didn't step onto my balcony or even open the windows of my house. I couldn’t handle the smell of the gas anymore," a real estate specialist living in the area stated. 

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has since condoled the families affected by the huge fire that erupted in Embakasi on Thursday night, adding that the county government would waive all medical fees for those injured by the fire.

"The Nairobi City County Government stands in prayer with our sisters and brothers in Embakasi Sub County who last night were gravely affected by a devastating fire incident. We pray for the quick recovery of those who were injured and may the Almighty rest in peace the souls of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.

"Following this regrettable incident, all county government emergency response teams are currently on-site and on high alert to provide the necessary support. Currently, all County Health and Medical teams are also managing the situation and also working hand in hand with the County Disaster and Risk management teams who continue to provide the necessary support to the victims of the fire incident," the statement read.

Nairobi County Woman Representative, Esther Passaris, suspended all her Parliamentary engagements to visit and help the affected families, vowing to help the affected and rallied wellwishers to donate blood at various hospitals. 

Other leaders at the scene include Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Hundreds of victims were rushed to various hospitals across the county including Kenyatta National Hospital, Mama Lucy General Hospital and Mbagathi Hospital as government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged members of the public to keep off the area to allow the rescue mission and investigations to be carried out smoothly. 

Fire engulfing markets near City Stadium in Nairobi on January 30, 2024. /X

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