Sifuna Challenges Sakaja in Gas Explosion Face-Off; Offers Refund
The focus appears to have shifted to politics in the aftermath of the recent gas explosion in Nairobi’s Embakasi East constituency. Instead of collaborating to aid the victims and their families, politicians are pointing fingers and assigning blame to one another.
The blast in the vicinity of Mradi settlement near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has resulted in the death of a minimum of six individuals and the injury of 300 more.
President William Ruto has directed the apprehension and legal action against government officials who failed to fulfill their responsibilities, resulting in the tragic accident.
At the same time, Senator Edwin Sifuna from Nairobi has alleged that Governor Johnson Sakaja is not effectively exercising leadership responsibilities.
Amid allegations that the County leader had made a meager contribution of only Sh280,000 to aid the victims, the outspoken Sifuna warned of the possibility of returning the money, claiming that the sum is significantly insufficient.
Sifuna, also serving as the secretary general of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), additionally asserted that Sakaja was engaging in political maneuvers at the expense of the victims of the explosion.
“Someone who has our disaster management funds telling us we pick Sh10,000 (per family) shows how unconcerned he is,” claimed Senator Sifuna while addressing the victims.
ODM leader Raila Odinga was present.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, revealed that Mr. Odinga donated one million shillings to the initiative aimed at assisting the survivors, an amount he matched.
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Sifuna stated that legislators associated with ODM had raised nearly Sh800,000 to support the victims, and the party itself had donated Sh3 million.
“Honorable Raila Odinga, I thank you on behalf of the Mradi people. You gave us Sh1 million, Babu Owino gave us Sh1 million, ODM MPs gave out Sh800,000 to the area MP (Babu Owino), and as a party, we have raised over Sh3 million,” Mr. Sifuna explained while condemning Nairobi County leadership over what he termed as laxity in addressing the incident.
Sifuna further said he was ready to refund Sakaja’s contribution.
“Sakaja, I want to refund the Sh280,000 that you contributed. My office is at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), and that Sh280,000 you want to blindfold people with, come I will send it to you. It can be accommodated on the phone,” said the Senator.
Sifuna also questioned why Sakaja’s administration approved the establishment of a gas refilling station near a residential area.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), a government entity, is anticipated to be called upon by the Standing Energy Committee of the National and Senate Assembly in the aftermath of the explosion.
Governor Sakaja, who arrived in the country last night, has declared a swift operation to curb illicit gas enterprises within residential areas throughout Nairobi County.
He visited the affected area and consoled with the victim’s families.
Sifuna Challenges Sakaja in Gas Explosion Face-Off; Offers Refund
