Victims of Sinai fire seek compensation

By Isaiah Lucheli

Victims of the Sinai fire tragedy have moved to court seeking compensation from Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and the City Council of Nairobi.

The 102 people affected by the disaster, including minors, have also sued the National Environment Management Authority (Nema).

The three institutions have been accused of being negligent and failing to uphold their statutory duties.

The people are seeking damages for loss of assets, income and general damages under the Law Reform Act and Fatal Accidents Act.

Through their lawyer Paul Muite, the victims are further seeking general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenities, and declaration that the three institutions were negligent and breached their statutory duties leading to the fire that burnt their
In addition, the people want the organisations to be declared liable to compensate them for the loss and damage suffered as a result of the fire.

KPC has been accused of failing to store highly flammable material within their premises in a proper way and allowing the fuel to spill into areas inhabited by the people.

Other issues raised by the six victims representing the 102 include loss of income, cost of cosmetic surgery and loss of assets such as bed and beddings, suitcases and other household goods and domestic animals.