By REUBEN OLITA
May 30, 2026| Police in Teso North Sub-County have launched investigations into the alleged use of explosives on a private parcel of land in Jairos Village, Kamuriai Location, an incident that left residents shaken and several houses damaged.
Residents who spoke to journalists on Friday said a private developer allegedly detonated explosives to break rocks on a woman’s recently acquired piece of land, triggering a powerful blast that sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood.
The residents fear the explosion may have weakened the structural integrity of nearby buildings due to intense vibrations and flying debris.
Joseph Emukule, a resident, called on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and both national and county government agencies to investigate the incident and establish who authorised the use of explosives in a densely populated area.
Human rights activist Peter Opuko questioned how such a potentially dangerous activity could have been carried out without public sensitisation or approval from relevant regulatory authorities.
Among the affected residents was Linet Barasa, whose house sustained partial damage during Thursday’s explosion. A visibly distressed Barasa said it was fortunate that her children were away from home when the blast occurred.
“It is through God’s grace that my children were not at home when the explosion happened,” she said, urging authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable and affected families compensated.
Another resident, Sylvia Adung’o, said her house developed cracks following the blast. She further alleged that the developer collected stones that had been hurled onto neighbouring properties, some landing more than 100 metres away, and transported them elsewhere in what she described as an attempt to conceal evidence.
Teso North Sub-County Police Commander Charles Chepkong’a confirmed that affected residents had recorded statements and that investigations were ongoing.
He assured residents that the sub-county security team, led by Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitai, would thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action based on the findings.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, who are now demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding the blast and whether all legal and environmental procedures were followed before the explosives were used.