Embakasi gas explosion: Families in urgent need of aid soars to over 700

Last week's gas explosion at the Mradi area of Embakasi East has created a humanitarian emergency with over 700 families now in urgent need of basic needs and support from well-wishers.

According to the state, the number of those in need of help increased from 663 households to 761 putting a strain on the available commodities and forcing the government to call on well-wishers to send in support even to those still in critical condition in hospital.

While announcing the death toll from the blast had risen to six, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura appealed for amongst others blood donations and other support in kind or financial to the victims.

"We appeal to the public for blood donations and support for the families of the deceased, reflecting the unity and resilience inherent in our Kenyan community. We assure Kenyans that all efforts shall be undertaken to provide the best care to the victims, in addition to the support given to the affected families during this difficult time," he said in a statement issued on Sunday night.

The homeless families are currently being sheltered at Embakasi Social Hall where residents who lost their documents and certificates in the fire have been asked to register for the government to facilitate their replacement through the relevant agencies like the National Registration Bureau and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Donations

So far, the affected families have received aid in the form of food, corned beef, blankets, sleeping mats, plastic tarpaulins, kitchen sets, trauma kits and emergency kits for the treatment of burns and fractures sustained in the blast.

Additionally, the Kenya Red Cross has committed to cover two months' rent for the affected families amounting to Sh6,000 per month.

"We urge landlords to accommodate them on humanitarian grounds without the expected requirements," Mwaura implored.

As the victims struggle to get past the tragedy and resume their normal lives, the state has also promised to ensure that they get compensated for the loss by the owner of the gas-filling plant.

The owner, Dennis Kimathi has however denied culpability for the explosion claiming the property was operating as a garage at the time of the explosion and not as a gas-filling plant as alleged.

This is despite locals claiming that the facility was selling gas at low cost making it an attractive source of fuel for the neighborhood.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have since taken over the probe.