At least one person has reportedly died and several businesses destroyed following a fire incident that occurred in Mlolongo, Machakos County.
The fire which razed property worth millions began on Monday, December 16 at around 7 pm at a guest house which is located along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
While confirming the incident, Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti revealed that the inferno burnt down 12 guest rooms and a store.
The governor, however, commended the county firefighters who moved swiftly to quell the fire thus preventing further loss of lives and property.
“My able team led by Advisor Special Programmes Winnie Kivuti is in touch with the victims and will advise on recovery and mitigation measures,” the governor stated.
“I assure all residents of our commitment and readiness to ensure their safety in their business premises and residential areas,” Wavinya added.
According to the governor, the cause of the fire was yet to be established but the area police officers have commenced investigations to establish its cause.
Witnesses who spoke to the press claimed that congestion in the area worsened the incident with the area chief Peter Ndunda urging those who have encroached on pathways to pave the way for better accessibility.
"I want to urge those who have constructed stalls on the pathway where the fire engine was supposed to pass so that it can save lives and property to remove those stalls," the area chief said.
Addressing journalists, one of the first responders detailed that the fire could have been a result of power faults within the area with the witness saying that despite attempts to notify the Kenya Power Company, no action was taken.
The Machakos fire tragedy comes hardly a day after a fire broke out at Vietnam Village, Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Nairobi County, affecting a residential area.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, four people sustained minor injuries from the fire which broke out on Sunday, December 15 at around 8.23 pm but were treated.
"The fire has been contained thanks to the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade and community members. Four minor casualties were treated on-site, while one critical case was evacuated to the hospital," Kenya Red Cross announced.
