In a tragic incident that took place on Thursday night, a deadly explosion at the Mradi Gas Company in Embakasi resulted in the loss of six lives and left over 300 individuals with serious injuries. Following the incident, the owner of the gas plant, Derrick Kimathi, along with three officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), namely Joseph Makau, David Warunya On'gare, and Marian Mutete Kioko, were brought before the Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on February 6, 2024.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has initiated an investigation into the incident and has charged the four suspects with a range of offenses, including murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, negligence of duty, and abuse of office. Prosecuting counsel Dorcas Rugut and James Gachoka informed the court that the investigation team requires 21 days to complete their inquiries.

James Gachoka, the prosecutor, emphasized the significant public interest surrounding the case and urged the court to detain the suspects for the specified period. He disclosed that the suspects had gone into hiding before being apprehended on February 5, 2024. Gachoka stressed that the police need sufficient time to gather statements from the relatives of the deceased and the traumatised individuals who are currently receiving treatment in various health facilities across the city.

The alleged offenses are said to have taken place between January 1, 2020, and February 2, 2024, at Maxxis Energy Nairobi Limited, located in Embakasi, Nairobi County. The explosion, which occurred on the nights of February 1 and February 2, 2024, caused extensive damage amounting to millions of shillings.

The application to detain the suspects for 21 days is supported by an affidavit from the lead investigator, Chief Inspector Isaac Tenai. Tenai highlighted the need for further investigation in the debris-strewn area to ascertain the extent of the damage and potentially recover any remaining bodies. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the security and safety of the suspects due to the public's desire for justice for the victims and their families.

However, the defense lawyers representing the suspects, Karathe Wadungi, Odero Okello, and Kaveta Mwanzia, opposed the application for detention. They argued that such a long period of detention would violate their clients' constitutional rights and instead requested their release on bond until the investigation is completed. The defense attorneys assured the court of their clients' willingness to comply with any conditions imposed.

It remains to be seen whether the court will grant the prosecution's request for the suspects to be detained for 21 days or if the defense's plea for release on bond will be accepted. The case has garnered significant attention, as investigators work to determine the causes of the tragic explosion and bring justice to the victims and their families.

The courtroom proceedings surrounding the Embakasi gas plant explosion will continue as the investigation unfolds, providing crucial insights into the events leading up to the tragic incident.