A fire started by a candle left unattended burnt down 300 houses in Mukuru on Tuesday, January 17 rendering thousands homeless.
The victims stated that the fire started when a candle set a curtain on fire in one of the houses while the tenant was away.
According to Sylvester Maithya, the chairman of the slum dwellers, the inferno was fueled by strong winds, consuming the houses quickly and forcing the residents to demolish other houses to stop the spread.
Maithya added that it was difficult for fire trucks from the county government to access the scene of the incident.
“We had a problem with accessibility because of the many structures built along the road. We want the government to rectify the issue and demolish those structures,” Maithya stated.
Ten victims who suffered minor injuries from the fire were released to go home after they were attended to by Red Cross officials.
A resident reported that looters took advantage of the confusion as the fire spread, stealing property from many of the houses.
Those thought to be looters, however, were attacked by the enraged residents, some suffering severe injuries.
“The victims were rushed to hospital after being attacked by residents who thought they were thieves. Some suffered head injuries,” a resident explained.
Residents stated that the firefighters were able to put out the fire after three hours, with help from volunteers.
“The youths volunteered to put out the fire by channeling water from Ngong River using water pipes,” a resident added.
Speaking to Nation on Wednesday, January 18, Starehe deputy commissioner John Kisang warned that no structures would be allowed to be built near the Maasai- Hazina perimeter wall unless directions were given by the government.
