A real estate entrepreneur identified as Morgan Mueke of Shaba Realtors was left counting millions in losses after a fire razed down his office building in Kitale on Sunday, April 26.
According to initial reports, he revealed that he had lost at least Ksh1.3 million worth in property after the fire broke out.
It was further revealed that a cybercafe operator working on the 2nd floor of the building was rushed to Cherangany Nursing Home for emergency treatment after he lost consciousness due to smoke inhalation.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander (CPC) Ayub Gitonga Ali, confirmed the incident while speaking to the media, adding that the cause of the inferno was yet to be established.
"The cause of the fire which broke razing down the third floor of Raising building will be ascertained after our investigators and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company get findings which we will let you know," he announced.
One of the tenants urged property owners to ensure that tenants adhered to health and safety standards to aid in averting similar incidents.
"All tenants should have fire extinguishers to aid in putting out such fires promptly. The wooden partitions within the building made the situation even worse," he narrated.
Trans Nzoia County Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice Chairman Pradip Shah, made his way to the scene and thanked members of the public for their quick efforts, singling out Khetia Supermarket employees for their swift action that aided in containing the fire.
Area MCA, Eric Wafula, was also present at the scene and he alluded to an electrical fault being the cause of the fire when he urged members of the town's Central Business District (CBD) to be careful when handling electrical appliances.
"Without Khetia Supermarket fire brigade in this County, it would have been very difficult to handle such emergencies," he further stated.
The incident came just weeks since grief engulfed Kahembe village, Nyandarua County after three children perished in a fire incident on April 8.
Among them was a 15-year-old boy who was living with disability and his two nephews aged six and four respectively.
Watch the video captured as the Kitale fire broke out below:
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