Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the immediate closure of gas business operations in residential areas days after the tragic explosion in Mradi area in Embakasi Nairobi that has so far claimed six lives and hundreds of others injured.
Addressing the media after visiting Mradi village for the first time since last week’s incident despite the humanitarian crisis occasioned by the illegal dealings at the facility, Sakaja warned sub-county administrators against allowing such operations in the estates.
Since the gas plant explosion governor Sakaja had been away in South Africa then the United Kingdom and had not been seen in public even as his close aides gave contradicting information over the whereabouts of the city boss.
“I have directed all the 17 sub-county administration officers to ensure all gas businesses operating within residential areas are closed with immediate effect.” Sakaja ordered.
Further, a list is expected to be released before the end of the day where targeted premises will be shut down by the county with immediate effect.
The county head assured the victims of the tragedy that the owners of the premises where the incident took place shall be held responsible and accountable.
“I want to assure Nairobians that the owners of the premises where the incident took place shall be held responsible and accountable.” He assured Nairobians.
This comes a few hours after the ODM leader blamed the city for poor planning of the county and allowing illegal business in residential estates.
According to the opposition leader, solutions to proper planning in the various cities across the country include tough decisions such as demolition, relocation of structures and people, and featuring systems that are temporary pain but have long-term benefits.
” The city ignored its planning and allowed a gas filling plant that was not supposed to be there.” Raila pointed out.
He advised counties to stick to urban planning rules and even demolish illegal structures in towns to attract investors adding that no investor would put their money in a city that is not well planned.
“Investors cannot put their money where there is no order or law.” He said.
The February 1,2024 incident left over three hundred people injured while six succumbed to injuries.
