The PEFA All Nations Church structure in Kijiji, Southlands, became a refuge for victims during the tragic Sunday night inferno that left hundreds homeless.
The Church structure mysteriously survived the raging flames that flattened the congested slum makeshift structures into rubble.
Head Pastor Benson Wachira told Standard that the fire had only consumed the Church's office structure that stood one metre away from the main sanctuary.
In what residents have termed as a miracle, the Church's main hall took in 35 families that ran to hide there when the fire broke out.
[caption caption="PEFA Church at Kijiji slum that was not consumed during Lang'ata fire"]
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"I had to come from Dandora to look at the situation. We lost important files and more than Sh35,000 that were kept in the office," Pr Wachira reported.
He added that he and those who came into the church during the incident narrowly escaped death after the office structure caught fire.
"Even though several families sought refuge in the church, fear gripped us because the amount of smoke and heat was overwhelming.
"People moved from here to Ngei Primary School because that is where clothes, food and other kinds of aid were taken. The sacks of maize and beans we had put in our store were all destroyed by the fire," he recounted.
The Pastor related that the Church was founded at its present location after the plot owner closed down his bar and sold the land.
"We bought it anyway. He later sold us the land next to this one and that is where we built the offices and some classrooms," he explained.
Deputy President William Ruto, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Lang'ata MP Nixon Korir visited the area soon after the fire and pledged assistance to the fire victims.
DP Ruto announced that the government had set aside Sh70 Million to rebuild the area, Governor Sonko promised to cater for funeral expenses for the four who perished in the fire and MP Korir assured his constituents that the Nairobi Fire Department would be put to task to explain why fire trucks reported to the scene without enough water.
[caption caption="DP Ruto and Lang'ata MP Nixon Korir addressing residents of Kijiji slum on January 29"]
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