Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-05 21:00:00
The gas explosion in Nairobi’s Embakasi area on Thursday night resulted in only six fatalities at the time of writing. This small number of casualties is a godsend, considering the magnitude of the inferno in a densely populated residential area. If not for extraordinary good luck, the explosion could have led to dozens, if not hundreds, of casualties. Currently, about 300 people are injured, with some in the hospital being treated for life-threatening burns. Sadly, the death toll could rise, and many survivors will have to cope with physical and psychological trauma, as well as the loss of their livelihoods, homes, and possessions due to the destruction of their properties.
The immediate priority is to provide aid and assistance to those affected. However, it is also crucial to hold accountable those responsible for the illegal operation that led to this tragic incident. The owners of the illegal cooking gas cylinder refill operation must be held personally liable for the death and destruction caused by their actions. The government agencies that failed to stop this illegal and dangerous facility must also be held accountable for their negligence and failure to enforce regulations.
The blame also extends to the local police commanders, city government inspectors, and national administrative officers who turned a blind eye to the illegal operation. Their complicity in allowing the operation to continue underlines the systemic corruption and dysfunction that plagues the country. Therefore, it is important to address the systemic issues that allowed this tragedy to occur, starting from the top leadership down to the local level.
The Cabinet secretaries for Interior and Energy, the Nairobi Governor, and the Inspector-General of Police cannot escape censure for their neglect of duty and failure to act. President William Ruto’s promise to hold government officials accountable for their roles in the tragedy must extend to all levels of leadership, not just mid-level bureaucrats. As citizens, we must also reflect on our role in electing corrupt and incompetent leaders, and take responsibility for the consequences of our choices.
Former American proconsul to Kenya, Johnny Carson, highlighted the importance of accountability and warned that choices have consequences. We must acknowledge our role in tolerating poor leadership and its consequences. It is essential to demand accountability from our leaders, but it is equally important to hold ourselves accountable for the leaders we choose.
As we reflect on the tragedy in Embakasi, we must also remember the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and the excitement it brings. While enjoying the soccer fest, we cannot forget the importance of accountability and responsibility in ensuring a better future for our communities and our country.
Read the original article on Daily Nation
