Several leaders have reacted following the Embakasi night inferno that has claimed several lives and left several injured and hospitalised.
Among the leaders who have reacted include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who asked Kenyans for prayers for the affected families.
"We are asking for your prayers as Embakasi East residents after an explosion that consumed several lives and over 300 People taken to hospitals nursing serious injuries.Currently at Embakasi," Babu stated.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris asked Kenyans of goodwill to help Those affected and also donate blood to the victims.
"Urgent Appeal: Blood needed for Embakasi Village fire survivors. More than 300 factory workers and residents affected. Please visit Mama Lucy, KNH or the nearest hospital to donate blood. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones in this unprecedented tragedy," Passaris said.
Passaris also revealed that Soweto Assistant Chief Isaac Munyendo, his wife and son were among those who were affected by the night inferno.
"Isaac Munyendo, Asst. Chief at Soweto Highrise, along with his wife and son, admitted to Salmus Prestige Hospital in Chokaa due to burns from an Embakasi gas explosion. Grateful they're alive and discharged. Wishing them a swift recovery," she added.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said, "It’s terrible what has happened to our people in Embakasi. As we try to understand the facts around this incident we commiserate with all those who were injured and wish them quick recovery."
Cause of Embakasi inferno
In a statement, the government attributed the source of the fire to a truck that exploded, causing a huge fireball that burned a nearby godown.
"One lorry with an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely.
"A flying gas cylinder hit Oriental Godown, burning down the said godown, which deals with garments and textiles. Consequently, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses," Mwaura said in a statement.
The fire spread to the neighbouring residential areas, and so far, two deaths have been confirmed by the state.
"Sadly, residential houses in the neighbourhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night.
"As a result, two fellow Kenyans have regrettably lost their lives while being attended to at the Nairobi West Hospital," the statement added.
The government revealed that 222 Kenyans were injured by the fire and have been rushed to various hospitals as follows: twenty-one at the Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, nineteen at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at Modern Komarock Hospital, and eight at Nairobi West Hospital.
