A businessman in the Milimani area of Kiminini, Bungoma County, was apprehended on charges of operating an illegal gas refilling station located at his private residence, announced the police. This arrest is part of a broader nationwide operation targeting such unauthorized facilities.
The raid follows a recent explosion at a gas refilling station in Embakasi, Nairobi, which resulted in six fatalities and 300 injuries. In response, authorities have planned a countrywide crackdown on perceived illegal gas refilling stations.
During the Milimani operation, the police seized assorted empty and filled gas cylinders, along with numerous 20-liter jerricans containing gas for refilling. Additionally, 27 bags of charcoal were confiscated and found to be sold without the required forest produce permit.
The suspect underwent interrogation and has been detained pending planned arraignment, as stated by the police. Regional police commanders have been instructed to collaborate with other government agencies in conducting operations against such illegal facilities.
Preliminary findings reveal the prevalence of such facilities, with some located in residential areas, posing a general threat. In response to the Embakasi explosion, the government announced various measures to ensure compliance in the sector. These include a fresh risk assessment for all LPG plants, closing non-compliant sites, demolishing illegal sites, implementing a government LPG growth strategy, and reinforcing the LPG data verification framework.
The aftermath of the Embakasi incident has triggered a blame game among officials, and at least four suspects, including the yard owner and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) officials, have been arrested.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura reported on Sunday that seven individuals are in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). KUTRRH has treated a total of 27 patients, with eight already discharged, while KNH received 67 patients from the incident, with six in critical condition due to severe burns.
