- Another casualty has succumbed to the tragic Embakasi gas explosion, raising the death toll to twelve, at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital
- Just a day prior to her passing, she voiced her frustration in a TV interview, lamenting the unfulfilled promises made to her and fellow victims
- Her demise leaves behind a preshool-aged daughter and a teenage son, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their future in the wake of their mother’s death
The twelfth victim of the Embakasi gas explosion, Maria Nyangige, passed away due to burns sustained at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
Her death occurred just a day after expressing dissatisfaction in an interview with the NTV, citing unfulfilled promises made to her and fellow victims.
Nyangige, a single mother of two and a food vendor in Mradi village, leaves behind a preschool-aged daughter and a teenage son, adding uncertainty to their future.
On the night of February 1st, Nyangige was returning home from work when the gas explosion occurred.
Despite finishing work and preparing dough for the next day, she encountered a sudden eruption of flames in her settlement.
Attempting to reach her youngest child, she became engulfed in flames, suffering severe burns from the neck down. The tragic incident shattered her livelihood, leaving her unable to fulfill financial obligations, including rent and school fees.
Despite assurances of aid and compensation from officials following the incident, including visits to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, the promises remained unfulfilled.
Nyangige’s condition worsened over time, and she succumbed to her injuries on Friday evening at the hospital.
Her passing highlights the dire situation faced by victims of the Embakasi fire tragedy, despite initial dismissals of such claims by Nairobi County officials. “Before the fire, I was just healthy and never imagined that my family would be missing,” a tearful Nyangige said, sobbing.
But what hurts her most is the fact that her life may never be normal again. Ever again. After the life-threatening incident, her world was now confined to the walls of her single room.
After the fire, several humanitarian and government officials visited and made promises of financial aid and compensation. But they remained just that: empty promises.
On Friday evening, she breathed her last at the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
