Athi River, Machakos County
A devastating night inferno reduced over 20 homes to ashes in the Njuguini area of Athi River, leaving dozens of families homeless and counting their losses. The blaze, which erupted around 8 p.m. on Thursday, tore through a residential building with terrifying speed, catching many residents off guard as they settled in for the evening.
Families Flee as Flames Rage
Eyewitnesses say the fire started mysteriously, with no immediate explanation for its cause. Panic ensued as residents scrambled to escape the engulfing flames. Many attempted to salvage their possessions, but the fire spread too rapidly, consuming entire units and destroying property worth millions.
“It was like a nightmare. One minute we were having dinner, the next, we were running for our lives,” said one distraught resident.
Firefighters Arrive Too Late to Save Property
Fire response teams from Nairobi and Machakos County Disaster Management Units arrived nearly two hours after the fire began, by which time much of the damage had already been done. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze eventually, but not before a majority of the structure was completely razed.
Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed flames devouring the storey building as terrified families watched from a distance, powerless to act. Some residents were seen risking their lives, attempting to retrieve documents and valuables from untouched sections of the building.
Survivors Left in the Cold
Dozens of families spent the night in the cold, while others sought refuge with friends or good samaritans in nearby estates. Emergency support is yet to reach many of the victims, with local leaders calling for urgent humanitarian aid.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far, although the exact number of displaced individuals remains unclear.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire. Early speculation points to a possible electrical fault, but nothing has been confirmed. Authorities are urging affected families to report to designated shelters as they await further support.
This incident comes just three weeks after a similar fire ravaged homes in Tassia Estate, Embakasi, highlighting the growing concern over urban fire safety in Kenya.
