BY IRENE ONYANGO.
Two proprietors of a gas firm that exploded early this year killing more than 10 people in Embakasi early this year have been charged manslaughter.
Derrick Kimathi Nyamu and Stephen Kilonzo Mutie appeared before Milimani Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe and denied 10 counts of manslaughter.
Kimathi and Kilonzo are facing 10 counts of manslaughter and one count of operating an unlicensed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at a storage facility.
According to the charge sheet, the duo unlawfully caused the deaths of 10 individuals on the night of 1st and 2nd February this year, at Mradi in Embakasi Sub-County.
The explosion claimed the lives of Martin Simiyu Walumbi, Vallary Nyandiko, Charles Macharia, Stanley Vulimu Chasia, Austine Chibini Chivanda, Flora Njeru and Ann Nyaguthi Muriuki.
Others who died in the fire were Simon Mulongo Nyongesa and Miriam Onyango. The charges stated that they were negligent in operating the gas facility.
The Court heard that the two accused persons were running the LPG facility without the requisite license from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), contrary to the Petroleum Act No. 2 of 2019.
The incident that occurred at a residential place in Embakasi earlier this year reportedly resulted in a devastating explosion at the Mradi site, claiming multiple lives and causing widespread damage of the neighbouring properties.
Prosecution counsel Gachoka while submitting, detailed to the court how the accused failed to adhere to safety regulations, leading to the tragic deaths.
They were released on a bond of Sh 3Million or an alternative cashbail of Sh 1 million pending pre trial.
The matter will be mentioned on 6th January 2025.
