Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has called out the Kenya Kwanza government for neglecting victims of the Embakasi gas explosion at the condemned gas filling plant in the Mradi area.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, Raila who visited the site to console families affected by the tragedy, said that they deserve compensation of at least Ksh500,000 in cash.
“Every family affected by last week’s fire caused by gas explosion in Embakasi should be given a cash compensation of Ksh500,000. This is pure negligence on the part of Kenya Kwanza administration,” Raila stated.
Odinga further asked the government to resettle displaced persons in the already constructed houses under the government's affordable housing project opining that investigations into the incident should not take more than two days to complete.
"People are sleeping on their jobs while the lives of Kenyans are in danger. If it was the Azimio government in place right now things would be very different. Those culpable for this incident should have already faced action. Investigations should not take more than 48 hours. We already know where the mistake was," said Odinga.
Raila's statement follows his one million contribution to assist victims of the Embakasi gas explosion.
This was announced by Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, who noted they jointly contributed Ksh2 million as a benevolent gesture to aid the fire victims.
"Today morning H.E Baba Raila Amolo Odinga sent me 1 million Kenya Shillings to help the fire victims. In addition, I have donated an extra 1 million shillings towards this noble cause, totalling 2 million shillings. Other Azimio Leaders are also contributing towards this. God bless Kenya, and please pray for Embakasi East," Babu stated on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Gov't to give fire victims Ksh5,000
Odinga's outcry for the victims comes after the government announced that the fire victims will each receive Ksh5,000 according to Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
Speaking when she visited one of the hospitals where the victims are receiving medical attention, the lawmaker noted that the money will enable the victims to get essentials in this time of need.
"We are giving them Ksh5,000 each because we know that tonight they will need a place to sleep as well as food," Passaris said during her visit to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital on Friday, February 2, 2024.
Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure gas dealers observe safety and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
