NEMA official detained as police cast wider net in Embakasi blast probe

A director at the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has been arrested in the aftermath of the gas explosion at a filling station in Embakasi, Nairobi as police pursue additional suspects.

The blast has claimed six lives so far, with over 300 other people injured.

Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei confirmed the arrest, urging those involved to surrender.

"We are hunting for more suspects, and those who know they are supposed to help in this probe should surrender. We will charge those targeted with murder," he stated.

The suspects include the gas-filling plant's proprietor, his partner, and the truck driver who was linked to the explosion.

Authorities are also pursuing three other NEMA officials who were suspended for allegedly illegally issuing a license to the company.

Illegal operations

The proprietor, through his lawyer, Wandugi Kirathe, has denied claims of wrongdoing, stating that he has been cooperating with police and that his client is not in hiding.

However, police have raised suspicions about the site's illegal operations, noting that it was previously a garage for LPG truck repairs.

In response to the tragedy, the government has announced measures to ensure compliance in the sector, including fresh risk assessments, demolishing illegal sites, and strengthening data verification frameworks.

The move comes after President William Ruto on Saturday called for the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of government officials involved in the issuance of licences to the gas plant in Miradi Area, Embakasi East.

This comes after Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) last Friday confirmed that the illegal gas plant which left three people dead and over 200 injured, was operating illegally.

Speaking in Kakamega County on Saturday, Ruto said the government officials must be held accountable for allowing an illegal plant to continue operating in a residential area even after its cancelled licence.