The Trans Nzoia gas explosion that struck Cherang’any this week has left a community in mourning after claiming the lives of a young couple, Daisy and her husband Tonny, just months after they celebrated their engagement.
According to family and community accounts, Daisy had risen early that morning to prepare breakfast for Tonny before he left for work, a routine she reportedly followed most mornings. It was during this ordinary start to the day that the suspected gas leak is believed to have triggered the explosion inside their home.
What Caused the Trans Nzoia Gas Explosion?
A relative, Erick Melly, said neighbours rushed the couple to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret once the blast was discovered. Reports on the medical details vary: some say the couple had been inhaling leaking gas for hours overnight, while another account attributes Daisy’s death to burns sustained in the blast. Tonny died first, with Daisy passing away shortly after while still under treatment.
A Celebration Turned to Grief
The couple had marked their engagement only months earlier, in December 2025, in a traditional ceremony known as Koito, a joyful pre-wedding gathering attended by family and friends. Photos from that celebration, once symbols of a hopeful future, now carry a far heavier meaning for those who knew them.
News of the double tragedy has left the wider community reeling, with many struggling to reconcile the recent joy of the engagement with the sudden grief that followed. Friends, relatives, and neighbours have shared condolences, offering strength and comfort to the grieving families.
Funeral Arrangements Following the Explosion
Tonny was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 22. Reports differ slightly on Daisy’s burial date, with sources naming either Tuesday, July 28, or Tuesday, July 29, at the family’s Biribiriet Farm in Cherang’any, Makutano. A harambee to support Daisy’s medical bills and funeral costs was reportedly held ahead of her burial.
Melly said the family is still raising funds to cover the funeral, noting Daisy’s side had already contributed part of the required amount, with Tonny’s family working to raise the balance.
Authorities have not yet released an official account confirming the exact cause of the leak behind this Trans Nzoia gas explosion. As loved ones mourn, many are left grappling with how quickly joy turned to unimaginable loss.
May their souls rest in eternal peace.
EPRA’s Gas Safety Guidelines: Preventing the Next Gas Explosion
Tragedies like the Trans Nzoia gas explosion have prompted renewed attention to LPG safety nationwide. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued guidance for consumers aimed at preventing similar incidents.
For consumers buying and using LPG cylinders, EPRA advises:
- Only purchase LPG from licensed dealers, who are legally required to display their permits prominently
- Always demand a receipt when purchasing a cylinder, to ensure traceability and accountability in case of defects or safety concerns
- Inspect the cylinder’s seal and safety cap before use, and watch for faulty cylinders, which may leak gas that ignites into fires or explosions
On storage, EPRA states:
- LPG cylinders shall be stored in a well-ventilated, secure and designated area, protected from ignition sources and flammable materials
- Full and empty cylinders must be clearly segregated
If you suspect a leak:
- Avoid switches, lighters, or naked flames
- Turn off the valve immediately and ventilate the space
- Leave the house before investigating further
Report unsafe practices: Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected violations to EPRA via email or by calling +254 709 336 000, with confidentiality assured. As EPRA has noted, reporting unsafe practices can prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries a message that resonates deeply in the wake of the Trans Nzoia gas explosion
