Old Mutual Towers Building Nairobi Catches Fire on New Year Celebrations
The Old Mutual Towers located in Nairobi’s Upperhill district experienced a fire on Sunday, coinciding with the New Year festivities shortly after the government cautioned Kenyans to obtain permits for fireworks displays.
In a video observed by PoliticalPulseChat, the structure started displaying fireworks past midnight to welcome the arrival of the New Year.
Shortly after, the air became filled with smoke, and towering flames became visible emanating from the structure.
After the incident, Old Mutual Towers used their social media channels to announce that things had returned to normal.
“We acknowledge there was a minor incident after the New Year Fireworks celebration at the Old Mutual Tower. This was on the balcony of a top floor and it has since been contained,” the statement read in part.
“We thank all our celebrants for the notifications and we wish you all a Happy 2024.”
The occurrence happened shortly after the government had advised Kenyans to follow the guidelines outlined in the Explosives Act for the New Year festivities.
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The government highlighted via the State Department of Mining that individuals planning to showcase fireworks must obtain permits.
Additionally, the Ministry instructed that their personnel must be informed and in attendance at all New Year Fireworks events.
Not adhering to the regulations, as stated by the Mining Ministry, can result in either a monetary penalty or imprisonment by legal proceedings.
As per the Explosives Act, it is prohibited for anyone to conduct a public fireworks display unless they possess written authorization from an inspector.
Moreover, in the event that an inspector refuses to grant permission for the building to host a public fireworks exhibition, individuals affected by this decision have the option to formally challenge it by submitting a written appeal to the Mining Ministry within 14 days of receiving the notification.
Old Mutual Towers Building Nairobi Catches Fire on New Year Celebrations
