Gov’t wants cash donations for Embakasi explosion victims, but Kenyans are not having it

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has appealed to Kenyans to donate cash to help the Embakasi gas explosion victims.

Speaking on Friday after visiting the scene where over 280 people were injured by the Thursday night inferno, Mwaura said the government and other non-governmental institutions had taken up the matter but their contributions were not enough to assist victims.

He pointed out that among the victims were 9 single mothers and their 21 children whom the State was helping to acquire shelter, food and clothing.

“The government is actively aiding 9 single mothers alongside their 21 children currently seeking shelter at the Kenya School of Aviation. Collaborations with the Kenya Red Cross and the Nairobi County Government is dedicated to providing essential support including food and non-food items to those affected,” he stated.

Mwaura went on to indicate that the Kenya Red Cross had partnered with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to deliberate on how to assist those affected with cash for rent for at least two months before they’re able to get back on their feet.

The government spokesperson hence urged members of the public to chip in and offer financial support for the victims through the Kenya Red Cross, but Kenyans n social media were having none of it.

“Kenya Red Cross has a platform to provide cash transfer for those whose houses have been destroyed in conjunction with NGAO, they will do serious mapping so that there can be provision of some rent for at least two months or thereabout,” said Mwaura.

“So we are calling upon those who can support the initiative through that platform to really join hands…Nairobi County Government will be able to provide food, blankets, water and also other essentials.”

Kenyans online raised uproar over the request, accusing the government of havings lopsided priorities, with a section opining that the administration should instead focus on arresting those culpable for the tragic incident.

Others wondered why Mwaura was already parading the sick to ask for money when he should be asking Kenyans to donate blood instead.

Similarly, some users faulted the Spokesperson, wondering what the money meant for disaster management is used for.

X user Gabriel Oguda opined: “The government spokesman dares to ask Kenyans to contribute money towards aiding the victims of the Embakasi gas explosion secure monthly rent for at least two months. People are calling for the arrest and prosecution of all officials in Gov't agencies who looked the other way when that plant was being installed there, but this fool has the temerity to gaslight us by diverting our focus thinking our collective attention span is the same as that of an average UDA voter?”

“This is a joke. The government has a contingency fund. Get money there,” Amwoga Khalwale said.

Mogire Omwoyo added: “You arrest a watchman, then tell Kenyans to donate before you even know who the culprits are?”

“In more civilised countries the company would be compensating the affected victims while preparing for a class lawsuit for operating in a residential area. Kenya wananchi ndo wanacompensate the victims, we have no country here,” Oscar Jinx added.

“The government, asking for contributions in support of victims of Embakasi explosion is being petty. Mark you, the support is only for 2 months' rent payment, something that Eric Omondi can do alone. Bwana, what happened to county mitigation funds allocated to dimple man,” Oscar Wanjala noted.

The scary midnight explosion which was caught on camera by residents in the area is said to have occurred at Kentainers Company near Kabansora in Embakasi, Nairobi.

Three people succumbed to injuries as several injured persons were transported to various hospitals for treatment with Kenyatta Hospital receiving 21, Mama Lucy 160, Mbagathi Hospital 19 and Komarock Modern Hospital 14.

Following the incident, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced the exemption of medical fees for persons affected.

The government has since also set up blood donation and transfusion centres at the Mama Lucy Hospital, Nairobi Region Blood Transfusion Centre (RBTC), and the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Helipad Square.