Legendary Kenyan actor Matayo Keya, widely known as Alphonse Makacha Makokha, is mourning the loss of his wife, Purity Wambui. The news was shared by Makokha's colleague, Ondiek Nyuka Kwota, on Sunday, May 2, describing Wambui as a kind and remarkable woman who positively impacted many lives.
An LPG gas tanker exploded this morning at Stage Mpya in Embakasi along Outering Road, causing significant disruption and sparking concerns among local residents. Despite the intensity of the explosion, authorities have confirmed that there were no casualties.
The inc
ident occurred at approximately 8:30 AM, sending a plume of smoke and flames into the air, visible from several kilometers away. Emergency services, including firefighters and police, responded promptly to the scene, managing to contain the fire and secure the area.Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion might have been caused by a leak in the tanker, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Local residents reported hearing a loud bang followed by a fireball, prompting immediate evacuations from nearby buildings.
"I heard a massive explosion and saw flames shooting up. It was terrifying," said John Mwangi, a resident of the area. "I’m just thankful that no one was hurt."
Traffic along Outering Road was temporarily diverted as emergency responders worked to clear the scene and ensure safety. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes as authorities continue their operations.
The National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) has issued a statement urging the public to remain calm and to avoid the area to allow emergency services to complete their work. They also assured that safety measures are being taken to prevent any secondary incidents.
While the immediate danger has been averted, the explosion has raised questions about the safety protocols in place for transporting hazardous materials through densely populated areas. Calls for stricter regulations and more rigorous safety checks have been renewed in light of this incident.
More information will be provided as the investigation continues. Authorities are expected to release a full report once the cause of the explosion is determined and further safety recommendations are made.
For now, residents of Embakasi are left counting their blessings that this potentially catastrophic event resulted in no loss of life.
