At least eight people were killed following a devastating fire that broke out on Saturday morning in the Makina area of Kibera slums, Nairobi.
Police said at least 20 others were left with serious injuries. Of these, seven were dire and were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze claimed the lives of seven members of the same family and a pregnant woman.
The cause of the fire is yet to be established. The incident happened at about 5 am as the victims were a sleep, Kilimani police boss Patricia Yegon said.
“Eight people died while seven others are in hospital with serious burns. We are investigating the cause of the fire,” she said.
Senior security officials visited the scene. Area Member of Parliament Peter Orero confirmed the tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they fight to recover,” Orero said in a statement.
He also noted that a response team had been deployed to work with emergency services and ensure affected families receive immediate support, including medical care, counselling, and other essential assistance.
The fire, which affected approximately 40 households, was contained by the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade with support from community members.
Locals said that it occurred behind Kambi along the route to Eagles, affecting over 40 households and plunging the community into deep mourning and loss of property.
Among the injured are one man, two women, and three children, all of whom have been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for all of us in Kibra. We mourn with the families who have lost their loved ones and are committed to supporting them through this difficult time,” Orero said in an official statement.
Orero assured the residents that the county will implement long-term safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We are also working closely with relevant officials to investigate the cause of the fire and put in place long-term safety measures. Let us stand together as a community in compassion, in support, and solidarity,” the MP assured.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene, working to provide medical care, counseling, and immediate relief to those affected, courtesy of the area MP.
The Red Cross also confirmed the fire and revealed that it was contained by the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade with support from community members.
The fire comes after a similar incident in Nairobi County, where five people lost their lives in a fire incident that occurred early Monday morning in the Mathare B slums.
The displaced are camping at local schools and churches.
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