Exodus from Mradi village, Embakasi, over ‘fresh gas leak’
View of what remained after a huge gas blast in Embakasi Nairobi caused loss of lives, property and injuries on February 2, 2024.
Panic has gripped Mradi village, the area that bore the brunt of Friday's gas explosion in Embakasi, Nairobi, over a suspected fresh gas leak.
On Monday morning, residents reported smelling a gas similar to the one that wafted through their nostrils moments before the Friday horror that left at least six people dead and more than 300 injured.
As a result, an exodus is underway as families abandon their homes out of fear of the unknown.
Mr Bramwel Simiyu, the Nairobi City County Chief Officer for Disaster Management, told the Nation that the area had been secured and a fire engine had been dispatched as a precaution.
He said the Energy Regulatory Commission of Kenya (Epra) had been alerted to the development and was expected to assess the situation.
Nairobi County Acting Secretary Patrick Analo said the area had been secured and precautionary measures had been taken, including the evacuation of neighbouring residences.
Mr Analo said all county government emergency services were on high alert and standby to provide the necessary support.
"We have been made aware of a suspected new gas leak in the area where the incident happened on Thursday night in Mradi Estate, Embakasi East. A multi-agency team led by Epra and the county disaster management team are investigating the incident. The area has been secured and precautionary measures have been taken, including evacuation of neighbouring residences," Mr Analo said in a press briefing in Embakasi, not far from the site of the explosion.
Mr Analo said the county was still supporting all victims affected by the fire.
He said that as of Monday morning, only 30 families were still in the social hall where the county has been hosting and caring for the victims.
He also said that most of the victims had been reunited with their families and had found alternative accommodation.
"Psycho-social support for victims and community members will continue at Embakasi Health Facility. The support will be led by the county social services team and supported by partners including the Red Cross, Nairobi Hospital and Amani Counselling Centre, among others," he added.
The county says 60 people who are still admitted to various government and private hospitals, will receive the same psycho-social care and other material support upon discharge.
Regarding the cracks found in some of the buildings, Mr Analo said that they will conduct structural integrity tests and advise on the next course of action, which may include but is not limited to, the evacuation of tenants.
The county has waived medical fees for all victims of the fire who will be treated at county hospitals.
So far, President William Ruto has issued a directive to investigate and arrest those suspected of colluding in the illegal gas plant in the residential area.
Reporting by Kevin Cheruiyot, Kevin Cheruiyot, Mercy Simiyu, Leon Lidigu and Daniel Ogetta
