18 families left homeless after fire razes homes in Kirinyaga

Residents said the fire broke out at around 6 p.m. in one house before rapidly spreading to neighbouring homes, reducing several structures to ashes.

Speaking on behalf of affected residents, Florence Wangui, Caroline Ngetho and Jemima Wairimu said no injuries were reported, as neighbours quickly raised the alarm and attempted to contain the blaze. However, the fire left 18 families without shelter and caused significant property losses.

The residents blamed the extent of the destruction on the failure of the county's fire response system, claiming that a fire engine stationed in Kerugoya, about one kilometre from the scene, was not operational.

"The fire engine is just there, yet it is not working as residents continue to suffer. What is wrong with the county government?" one resident asked.

Dr Robert Njagi, Personal Assistant to Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, visited the scene and expressed concern over the inability of the nearby fire engine to respond to the emergency.

"It is unfortunate that such a disaster occurred when a fire engine is stationed nearby. The county government is responsible for disaster management, and residents expect an operational fire engine to respond during emergencies," Njagi said.

He said MP Gitari would engage Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on the matter and called for urgent action to ensure emergency response services are functional.

Njagi also delivered humanitarian assistance from the MP, including 20 mattresses, 20 blankets and a bale of maize flour to support the affected families.

Residents said this was not the first time concerns had been raised about the condition of the fire engine and urged the county government to service it to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"The fire engine has been lying idle like scrap metal. This is unacceptable. The county government should act before another disaster strikes," said resident Jane Wambui.

Affected families are expected to spend the night in temporary shelter, relying on the donations provided as they await further assistance.