|
LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Murder Suspect Escapes Nairobi Police Station
A man accused of brutally killing his girlfriend in the United States has staged a daring escape from a Nairobi police station, raising serious questions about security lapses and potential inside help.
Kevin Kangethe Kinyanjui, facing extradition to the US on murder charges, vanished from Muthaiga Police Station on Wednesday evening under puzzling circumstances. The incident sent shockwaves through the Kenyan security apparatus and sparked a manhunt for the fugitive.
According to police reports, the escape unfolded around 5.30pm. A man claiming to be Kangethe’s lawyer, identified as John Maina Ndegwa, arrived at the station and secured access to the suspect. Officers allegedly escorted Kangethe from his cell and left him alone with Ndegwa in a separate room.
Shockingly, the report states that Kangethe simply “escaped by running away” shortly after, leaving the supposed lawyer behind. Meanwhile, the station commander was unaware of the escape until alerted by the commotion of officers chasing Kangethe along a busy highway.
Police have arrested four officers on duty and Ndegwa for questioning, suspecting potential negligence or even collusion.
Authorities are now conducting a nationwide manhunt for Kangethe, who faces extradition to the US for the alleged murder of a 31-year-old Kenyan woman in Massachusetts. He was previously detained in Nairobi for 30 days while awaiting a court decision on his extradition.
Embakasi Tragedy: Illegal Gas Plant Owner Surrenders To Police
In the aftermath of a devastating gas explosion in Embakasi that claimed at least six lives and injured over 300, the owner of the illegal filling plant at the center of the tragedy surrendered to police Monday, February 5. Derick Kimathi, identified as the proprietor of the facility, turned himself in and is cooperating with investigators.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, February 2 sent shockwaves across the nation and sparked outrage over safety concerns and potential negligence. Authorities suspect a truck transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) caused the explosion, raising questions about the legality of the operation and the actions of regulatory bodies.
Kimathi, through his lawyer, maintains his innocence, stating that the site was primarily a garage specializing in LPG trucks. He claims to have never operated an illegal gas filling plant and denies reports to the contrary. However, residents paint a different picture, describing the facility as a well-known, albeit cheaper, source for refilling gas cylinders.
Police are actively pursuing seven individuals suspected of involvement in the tragedy. This includes Kimathi, his partner Steve Kioko, the truck driver whose role remains unclear, and four National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) officials alleged to have illegally issued a license for the plant.
The government, responding to the public outcry and concerns, announced a series of measures to ensure compliance and safety within the LPG sector. These include comprehensive risk assessments for all existing LPG plants which will undergo rigorous evaluations to identify and shut down non-compliant facilities. In addition, any unauthorized gas filling plants will be demolished to prevent future incidents. The government also announced that it will implement a national plan to regulate and promote the safe and responsible use of LPG; as well as develop a robust system to track and verify LPG data, to ensure transparency and accountability.
Odinga Demands Ksh.500,000 for Embakasi Blast Victims
Opposition leader Raila Odinga visited the scene of the gas explosion in Embakasi on Tuesday, demanding immediate compensation and resettlement for affected families.
Odinga called on President Ruto to provide Ksh.500,000 to each family to help them rebuild their lives. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We want every family here given Ksh.500,000. That is what will enable them to begin a new life.”
He further demanded the resettlement of displaced families in already constructed government-funded affordable housing units.
Odinga criticized the government for allowing the gas plant to operate in a residential area, putting residents at risk. He accused officials of negligence and inaction, stating, “People are sleeping on their jobs while the lives of Kenyans are in danger.” He contrasted the situation with his hypothetical administration, claiming, “If it was the Azimio government in place right now things would be very different.”
Expressing doubt about the ongoing investigation, Odinga alleged a potential cover-up, stating, “We already know where the mistake was.” He criticized the slow pace of the investigation and cast suspicion on the possibility of the plant owner escaping punishment.
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.