Abraham Mwangi Ngûyo, the owner of the tanker that exploded in Embakasi’s Mradi area on February 2, was on Thursday arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts.
Following the court proceedings, led by Senior Principal Magistrate Martha Nanzushi, authorities were granted a 14-day detention period to conclude their investigations.
While Ngûyo did not oppose the detention, he requested to be held at an alternate police station. He will now be held at the Capitol Hill Police Station for the said duration.
His case will be mentioned on February 28, 2024.
Reports say that the gas explosion, which claimed around seven lives and left over 250 others injured, was as a result of greed from the driver of the ill-fated truck and unscrupulous traders who were being sold gas illegally.
An exclusive interview with one of the witnesses of the illicit trade before hell broke loose revealed that it was common practice for drivers to refill gas cylinders to traders and residents in the area at night, an activity they deemed necessary but dangerous.
An amateur video clip captured by a resident of Mradi area showed moments before the gas explosion; residents who are in a panic mood are heard pleading with motorists to avoid the area as gas fumes filled the air.
A few minutes later, an explosion is heard and fire moves from one house to the other as fire fighters fight hard to contain it.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has since called for the impeachment of Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir for failing to honour a Senate summon to give answers on the tragic gas explosion.
