Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has exposed another suspected illegal gas filling station.
In a statement, the CS noted that there was a gas filling station in Thika, located next to Kiandutu Police Station that did not have a brand.
According to Kuria, there was no identifiable name at the premises of the gas filing station.
Additionally, Kuria stated that he feared the station could be a danger, calling on the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to take action.
“Dear Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), this gas filling place next to Kiandutu Police Station in Thika is the next Embakasi.
“What I know is that it is not branded. There is no name at the premises,” Kuria stated.
Also Read: REVEALED: Embakasi Gas Station That Exploded Was Declared Illegal in 2020
Kuria on Police Taking Bribes at the Gas Station
At the same time, the public service CS indicated that he was certain police officers spent their day at the gas filling station to take bribes.
Also, he questioned whether the station had a valid license, calling on EPRA to confirm whether the suspicions and reports from locals were true or false.
“What I do not know is whether it is licensed. I suspect it is not.
“What I do not know is whether the reports from locals that the police spent a whole day there receiving bribes are true. This is for you to verify,” added Kuria.
Also Read: LIVE BLOG: What We Know So Far About Embakasi Explosion
Embakasi Explosion and Fire
Kuria’s concerns came hours after a gas explosion at the Mradi area in Embakasi killed at least three people leaving over 300 others nursing serious injuries.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed that the explosion occurred after a lorry that was loaded with gas cylinders exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely.
In addition, Mwaura said that one of the cylinders hit an Oriental garments and textile godown in the area burning it down completely. The inferno also damaged several vehicles, commercial properties, and residential homes.
Following the incident, EPRA issued a statement revealing that the plant was operating illegally as it has rejected all licensing applications made by the operators.
According to EPRA, they did not meet the set criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant in that area.
“Applications for construction permits for a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant at the site were received by EPRA on 19th March 2023, 20th June 2023, and 31st July 2023,” the statement read in part.
