President William Ruto has demanded arrest and dismissal of government officials who were involved in the issuing of license to the gas filling plant that exploded on 1st February 2024.

The fire broke out at around 11 pm in Embakasi area in Nairobi.

He has ordered that they should to face charges levelled against them within 24 hours.

Speaking during the groundbreaking of Chekalini Market in Lugari, Kakamega County, the President noted that the operations were conducted contrary to the law.

“Someone granted a license for the plant to be established at a residential area endangering the lives of Kenyans,” he added.

Ruto insisted that the malicious act resulted to loss of lives and property distraction of Kenyans.

“In Nairobi, there was an explosion causing grave injuries to many people because of laziness, deceit and corruption in government offices.”

The President stated that these government officials allegedly accepted bribes to overlook legal violations, ultimately resulting in the explosion on Thursday night.

“I have instructed the Ministry of those responsible for granting the license should be fired, arrested and detained today,” he said.

READ ALSO: Police arrest security guard in connection to the Embakasi gas fire

What caused the Embakasi gas fire

However, it has been revealed that the explosion resulted from a mishap during the refilling of gas cylinders.

“Preliminary findings indicate that on the fateful night (in Embakasi), the refilling of LPG cylinders was conducted using direct manifold connections to the LPG tanker, thereby increasing the risk of leakage and explosion,” the statement, released on Friday evening, reads in part.

READ ALSO: Government unearths cause of deadly Embakasi gas explosion