Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has criticized Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, accusing him of neglecting his duties during the recent gas explosion tragedy.
Speaking during an ODM rally in Kamukunji on Sunday, January 4, Babu Owino condemned Governor Sakaja for allegedly being absent and celebrating his birthday in South Africa while his constituents were grappling with the aftermath of the devastating blast.
The MP expressed his dismay, stating, “The Nairobi Governor is celebrating in South Africa when there are deaths in Nairobi. The governor is in South Africa playing kwasa kwasa when the people of Nairobi are suffering.”
According to the Embakasi East MP, governor Sakaja went to celebrate his birthday abroad while residents of Nairobi lacked water.
Babu Owino on Governors Absence
Furthermore, Babu Owino raised concerns about the lack of medical supplies at Mama Lucy Hospital, claiming that even those injured in the explosion struggled to receive adequate treatment due to a shortage of essential drugs.
Governor Sakaja has notably been absent since Thursday, February 1 night when a gas tanker exploded, leading to massive destruction of property, injuries and even deaths.
The explosion resulted in three fatalities and left over 200 people injured in Embakasi East.
While Sakaja’s deputy, Njoroge Muchiri, visited the accident site and later went to Mama Lucy Hospital to offer condolences, the governor remained conspicuously absent.
Adding fuel to the controversy, it was revealed that Governor Sakaja was marking his birthday on Friday, February 2.
Despite the gravity of the situation in his county, Sakaja has not been seen at the blast site or at Mama Lucy Hospital, where the majority of the victims are undergoing treatment.
Governor Sakaja however issued a statement acknowledging the tragic incident, but the lack of a physical presence in the affected areas sparked criticism from both the public and political figures.
Also Read: Owner of Embakasi Gas Plant Defends Himself, Reveals Blunder Behind Explosion
Government to Compensate the Victims
Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris announced that the victims will each receive Ksh 5000 to cater for their essentials when she visited one of the hospitals where they were receiving medical attention.
“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 on Friday, February 2, 2024.
Later on, Saturday, Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga and Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, jointly contributed Ksh2 million to assist victims of the Embakasi gas explosion.
Also Read: Embakasi Explosion: 4 NEMA Officials Fired After Ruto Order
President William Ruto’s Directive
Following the tragic incident, President William Ruto addressed the nation, demanding swift action against negligent government officials.
He issued an ultimatum for those responsible for issuing licenses for gas installations in residential areas to be fired and prosecuted despite them knowing it was a hazardous practice.
“Today we have injuries, we have Kenyans who have died, those fellows who are involved in this, the ministry must immediately take action against them, and they must be dismissed and prosecuted for the crimes they have committed,” the head of state said.