The leader of the opposition, Raila Odinga, is pressing the government to relocate and provide compensation to those affected by the gas explosion that happened in the Mradi neighborhood of Embakasi, Nairobi, last Friday.
Speaking at the scene of the tragedy on Tuesday, Odinga stated that each affected family should receive Ksh. 500,000 from the government to help ease the suffering caused by the fire incident.
"We want every family here given Ksh.500,000. That is what will enable them to begin a new life. I want to tell President Ruto to address this issue and ensure every family gets Ksh.500,000," said Odinga.
In addition, Mr. Odinga insisted that the government's affordable housing project relocate the displaced families into the already-built homes.
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The opposition leader criticized the government for permitting the plant to operate in a residential area where residents were sure to suffer harm.
"People are sleeping on their jobs while the lives of Kenyans are in danger. If it was the Azimio government in place right now things would be very different. Those culpable for this incident should have already faced action. Investigations should not take more than 48 hours. We already know where the mistake was," said Odinga.
Odinga questioned the integrity of the ongoing inquiries into the explosion, stating that it would not be shocking if the plant's owner got away with it.
Four people have been taken into custody about the incident, including the owner of the illegally operating gas plant and three National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) representatives.
The prosecution requested a 21-day detention period for the four when they appeared in court on Tuesday, pending the completion of their investigations.
