An electrical fault during routine repair work triggered a devastating fire that destroyed property worth millions of shillings at Ramogi Building along Luthuli Avenue.
The fire first broke out on the evening of Tuesday, December 6, and was extinguished by the fire department. However, it reignited on the morning of Wednesday, December 7.
It started on the first floor of the multi-storey building, quickly spread to uncontrollable levels within minutes, engulfing electronic shops that line the busy Nairobi CBD street.
Central Police Commander Philemon Otiemo Nyakongo said investigations showed the blaze was sparked during electrical repair work carried out by a technician.
"The fire was started due to the activities of an electrician who was doing repairs, and due to an electrical fault of live wires, a fire started out," Nyakango stated.
The commercial building, which houses several electronics businesses, quickly turned into a scene of panic and confusion as traders watched helplessly while the raging inferno destroyed their shops and stock.
Preliminary reports indicate that phones, laptops, and computers were among the items destroyed in the blaze.
A huge crowd gathered at the scene shortly after the inferno started, with normal operations along the busy street grinding to a complete halt.
Police have since cordoned off roads leading to the scene to prevent unauthorized access and potential theft of remaining property as traders scrambled to salvage what remained of their property.
Officers are maintaining a high security presence around the building to safeguard whatever items survived the flames.
Firefighters remain at the location, continuing their operations to ensure the blaze is completely extinguished.
In what comes as a relief amid the tragedy, no injuries or deaths have been reported from the incident.
At the time of the publication of this story, Nairobi County Government is yet to issue any public statement on the incident.
