At least eight people have died following a devastating fire that broke out early Saturday morning in the Makina area of Kibera, Nairobi.
According to local authorities and eyewitness accounts, seven members of the same family, including children, perished in the blaze, along with a pregnant woman. The fire erupted around 5 a.m. while most residents were asleep. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are currently underway.
Kilimani police boss Patricia Yegon confirmed the fatalities and reported that seven others were rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital with serious burns. “Eight people died while seven others are in hospital with serious burns. We are investigating the cause of the fire,” Yegon stated.
In addition to the fatalities and those critically injured, at least 20 other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene to assist victims and coordinate support for affected families.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o, expressed his condolences and announced that emergency services had been mobilized to provide urgent medical attention, psychological support, and other essential assistance to the victims. “Six individuals – a man, two women, and three children – sustained serious burns and have been rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they fight to recover,” he said.
The tragedy has left the community in mourning and raised fresh concerns over fire safety in densely populated informal settlements. Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to uncovering the cause of the fire and supporting those affected through recovery and rebuilding efforts.
