Several Feared Dead as Tanker Explodes Along Eldoret-Webuye Road

Several people are feared dead following a petroleum tanker explosion along the Eldoret-Webuye road near Paul Boit Secondary School.

In a statement on Thursday, September 17, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that the tanker explosion had triggered a major emergency response involving multiple agencies.

"A mass casualty incident has occurred along the Eldoret-Webuye road near Paul Boit Secondary School, following a petroleum tanker explosion," the statement read.

The Kenya Red Cross said its teams had been deployed to the scene as emergency operations got underway.

"Kenya Red Cross is on the ground responding in collaboration with Kenya Police and firefighters," the statement added.

The circumstances surrounding the explosion, including the number of casualties and the extent of damage caused, were not immediately established.

The Kenya Red Cross also warned motorists against approaching the area, citing the need to give emergency responders clear access as they handled the incident.

"We urge motorists to avoid the area to allow emergency response teams unhindered access," the statement concluded.

This comes a week after at least six vehicles were torched and scores of people injured after chaos erupted during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting at Nembure Stadium in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was reportedly evacuated as tensions escalated while he led a mobilisation exercise for UDA polling centre officials.

Kindiki said the meeting brought together more than 15,000 UDA polling centre officials from across Embu County.

He said he gathered the officials to congratulate them on their election earlier in the year, update them on the implementation of the party manifesto by the Government and urge them to defend the Government’s record and counter what he described as lies, propaganda and misinformation from political competitors.

However, tensions escalated during the meeting, with police firing tear gas to disperse rowdy youths.

Several vehicles were torched during the confrontation, including those belonging to journalists covering the event.

Royal Media Services journalist Edwin Murimi escaped unharmed after his vehicle was set ablaze.

Wimwaro FM correspondent Murimi wa Mugendi was also safe after his vehicle was burnt, while Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto Miru reportedly suffered a similar loss.

Residents who were unable to access the meeting venue were held in a nearby area under police guard.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire blamed politicians from the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) for the chaos, accusing them of inciting people against others.

"You have burnt people’s vehicles, and robbed people on the highway. Just because, according to you, the only party that should have meetings in Embu County is your DCP. It is wrong, and those women who have been robbed are very upset," she said.

Mbarire also condemned the violence against youths who had attended the UDA meeting.

"These youths have been beaten because of a meeting they were invited to by the party. And we will not allow this kind of politics in Embu County. We will not accept," she added.