Workshop traders count losses after fire razes furniture in Ngurubani, Mwea

The fire, which broke out at around 1am, completely destroyed furniture belonging to four traders. No injuries were reported.

According to Ngurubani resident Martin Mwaura, the fire started as he was parking his vehicle nearby.

“I could not imagine seeing such a huge fire consuming the furniture. I immediately raised an alarm, attracting residents who rushed to the scene, but efforts to contain the fire were in vain,” Mwaura said.

The chairman of the Ngurubani business community, Anthony Mucheke, said the traders suffered significant losses, adding that the cause of the fire is yet to be established.

“We urgently need fire-fighting services in Mwea Constituency. Firefighters had to come all the way from Kerugoya in Kirinyaga Central, over 40 kilometres away, yet Mwea is the largest constituency by population in the county,” Mucheke said.

Residents said they were forced to battle the inferno using water and buckets until about 3am as they waited for firefighters to arrive.

Mr Mwaura further questioned the preparedness of the county fire brigade, claiming the firefighting vehicle arrived without water, raising suspicions of mechanical challenges.

“We thought the firefighters were prepared, but they arrived with a clean water vehicle. We suspect the county fire engine may have mechanical problems,” he said.

Residents expressed concern that delayed response by fire services often leads to extensive damage and, in some cases, loss of life.

One of the affected traders appealed for assistance, saying the fire had wiped out their livelihoods.

“We are appealing for help and support after our furniture was completely destroyed by the fire,” the trader said.

Detectives from Wang’uru Police Station who visited the workshop site near Mugumo area along the Mwea–Embu Highway confirmed that investigations have been launched to establish the cause of the fire.