Baba, Babu lead top list of well wishers who donated towards Embakasi gas explosion disaster relief.

By Solomon

Embakasi East Memberof Parliament Dr. Babu Owino has lauded well - wishers and volunteers who offered help to victims of the ill fated gas explosion in his Embakasi East constituency. In a personal statement on his social media, the legislator lauded efforts by different stakeholders, well wishers and fellow politicians who gave their donations and pledged their support ranging from food donations to medical teams to cash donations to aid in the resettlement of the victims. Amongst the first respondents to the incident were opposition leader Hon. Raila Odinga who donated 1 million shillings from his personal funds followed by Dr. Babu with the similar amount. In his statement. The former student leader lauded the response from his colleagues that contributed to the cause who included Nairobi's senator Edwin Sifuna, Governors Hon Gladys Wanga, Mombasa's Abdul Swamad, Hon. Antony Oluoch who took the responsibility to collect the funds and Senator Gloria Orwoba who donated 2000 sanitary towels amongst other leaders. "I'm short of words to all who responded including my fellow leaders who lend a helping hand by going an extra mile to help a helping hand. This was a very noble act," he said as he read the names out.

Just hours after the incident, the Government through its spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, had made an appeal to Kenyans of goodwill to contribute towards the victims of the tragedy which left several people dead, hundreds hospitalised in different health facilities and several others internally displaced. The incident occurred after a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded, leaving a trail of destruction after a huge fire spread to a nearby informal settlement late last week. The legislator further said the government had offered to pay rent for the affected families for two months as they pick up their pieces to start life again. Other donations came from the independent gas owners association who gave their collective contribution to go towards the relief efforts towards the victims and their families. Babu further stated that they had intensified efforts and handed over the funds to The Kenya Redcross to go towards the relief. "No offer that can help alleviate the suffering of the people in the afflicted area will be refused," he appealed.