Sakaja Acts Swiftly After Another Suspected Gas Leak In Embakasi

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has intervened after residents started fleeing the Mradi village in Embakasi over a suspected fresh gas leak. 

In a statement on Monday, February 5 by Nairobi County Head of Public Service Patrick Analo, a multi-agency team including the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) officials have been dispatched to investigate the scene.

“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 the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the County disaster team are investigating this,” read the statement in part.

Analo noted that the area has been secured and precautionary measures including evacuation of neighboring residences.

“All County Government Emergency services are on high alert and standby at the scene to provide the necessary support. Further updates will be provided progressively,” he added.

On Thursday last week, a gas leak occurred that caused an explosion injuring over 300 people in the Mradi area.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Friday announced that up to six people had succumbed from the tragedy.

President William Ruto on Saturday ordered an administrative action against a host of government operatives in the energy sector regarding the Embakasi explosion.

“I have instructed the Ministry that those responsible for issuing the license for the plant to operate where it should not, be fired, arrested, and detained today," said Ruto.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has so far suspended four of its officials over the incident.