IRENE ONYANGO.
The proprietor of a gas plant that exploded and killed six people in Embakasi over the weekend will remain in custody for 21 days to allow the police complete investigations into the incident.
Milimani chief magistrate Susan Shitubi allowed the application by the police to detain David Kimathi, the owner of Muradi Gas Project in Embakasi, for three weeks as they concluded the probe.
The court further ruled that the police can hold two officials of the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) officials- Joseph Makau and Marrian Kioko, for the same period.
A third official, David Walunya will be held for a maximum of 14 days at Capital Hill police station, said the court, due to his medical condition.
The magistrate said the choice of the police station was to allow him to easily access medical facilities, in case of an emergency.
His lawyer Wandaru had on Tuesday supplied the court with documents indicating his medical condition.
The investigating officer, Isaac Tenai had indicated to the court that they were probing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit felony, negligence and abuse of office.
Defence lawyers led by Kirathe Wandugi had pleaded with the court to allow them to be held at Capitol Hill police station, in case the court was inclined to allow the application.
The prosecution, however, opposed the submission stating that the incident happened in Embakasi hence they should be detained at Embakasi police station for convenience of the investigating officers and easy accessibility to the scene.
It was also submitted that detaining them as Embakasi might anger members of the public who might storm the police station and harm the suspects .
