In the aftermath of a gas explosion in Nairobi that claimed six lives and injured nearly 300 individuals, four suspects have been brought before the court in the Kenyan capital.
The explosion, which occurred last Thursday, involved a lorry carrying gas cylinders that blew up in a densely populated area of the city, igniting multiple fires.
The primary suspect, identified as Derrick Kimathi, surrendered to the police on Monday. Kimathi, who is the tenant of the property where the blast took place, has denied any involvement in the incident.
Accompanying Kimathi in court were three officials from the National Environment Management Authority (Nema). While they have not yet been formally charged, authorities are considering multiple charges against them, including murder, abuse of office, and negligence resulting in harm, according to Kenya’s NTV channel.
The court appearance of the suspects follows a directive from President William Ruto, who ordered the arrest and prosecution of government officials responsible for allowing the illegal operation of the gas plant in a residential area.
Kimathi’s lawyer, Wandugi Kirathe, stated that his client denied operating an illegal gas filling business at the site of the blast. According to Kirathe, Kimathi asserted that the vehicle involved in the incident was trespassing on his property without his knowledge or consent.
In addition to the four suspects arraigned in court, authorities are actively pursuing five other individuals, including two Nema employees, the manager of the gas filling plant, and two drivers.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) emphasized that the actions of the suspects resulted in significant physical and emotional suffering for Kenyans affected by the explosion.
The explosion caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles in the area. Among the casualties were a child and numerous individuals requiring hospitalization. Reports indicate that 271 people were taken to hospitals, including at least 25 children.
The environmental officials implicated in the incident had been suspended by Nema following allegations of improperly licensing the gas plant.
Public demands for accountability have intensified, with government agencies facing scrutiny and engaging in blame-shifting over the circumstances leading to the tragic explosion.