Two middle aged men who are alleged to be proprietors of a gas depot in Embakasi that exploded on February 1, 2024 leading to the death of 10 people have been charged with manslaughter of the ten people.
Derick Kimathi and Stephen Kilonzo appeared before Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe and denied 10 counts of manslaughter for the death of each victim.
They were charged with unlawfully causing the death of Evans Oduor,Martin Simiyu,Vallary Nyandiko,Charles Macharia,Ann Muriuki,Simon Nyongesa, Miriam Onyango,Stanley Chasia, Austin Shivanda and Flora Njeru.
It was alleged that on the night of February 1 and 3 2024 at Mradi in Embakasi Sub-County within Nairobi jointly with others not before Court, by unlawful act, caused the death of the ten victims.
They were also charged with another count of operating a bulk liquefied Petroleum Gas storage facility without a valid license from energy and petroleum regulatory authority (EPRA).
They denied the charges and asked the court to grant them reasonable bail terms.
The prosecution told court that they intend to call over 200 witness who will prove before Court that indeed the suspects are guilty of manslaughter.
Through lawyers Wandugi Kirathe and Ndegwa Njiru, the two asked court to release them on reasonable bail saying they are both victims of circumstances.
They further said since the incident they have not had a source of income and are just hustling to make ends meet thus they will not afford a high bail term
They were each released on Sh 3 million bond with an alternative cash bail of Sh 1 million.
