Kenya’s president blames corruption and incompetence for fire tragedy and wants officials prosecuted

By TOM ODULA
Associated Press

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan President William Ruto says corruption and incompetence among officials allowed the operation of an illegal liquid petroleum plant in a residential area. An explosion at the site on Thursday caused a fire that killed three people and injured more than 280 others, 24 of them critically. Ruto said the officials who gave licenses to the plant must be dismissed and prosecuted. The National Environment Management Authority board said in a statement it has suspended four officials, and asked police to investigate them. Police said they are also looking for the owners of the plant. Kenya is considered among the world’s most corrupt countries.