Fire Destroys Property of Unknown Value in Nyahururu

A massive fire broke out in Manguo, located on the outskirts of Nyahururu Town in Laikipia County, on Monday, January 20, reducing dozens of rental structures to ashes.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the fire started in one house before spreading to adjacent structures. The cause of the night-time fire has not yet been established.

Residents were forced to work together to salvage household items they could reach. However, the fire rapidly consumed the wooden structures as the residents looked on helplessly.

Some residents reported being unable to save their belongings, with others falling victim to theft by opportunists exploiting the chaotic circumstances.

Initial investigations suggest that the fire might have been caused by a candle in one of the houses, which ignited and spread rapidly.

Attempts to extinguish the blaze by the fire department were unsuccessful as the Nyahururu fire engine ran out of water, prompting angry residents to harshly criticize the firefighters, who arrived after the fire had already broken out.

Residents blamed the county government for failing to dispatch adequate emergency services, pointing out that it had previously neglected key safety measures.

They have now called on the Laikipia County Government to acquire an additional fire engine and station it in the area to ensure a swift and effective response to similar emergencies in the future.

Property of unknown value is feared to be razed down to ashes as tens of family households slept out in the cold.

Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, who arrived at the scene following the tragic incident, consoled the residents while criticizing the county government for its laxity in responding to emergencies.

He expressed his disappointment, describing the Nyahururu firefighters’ lack of preparedness as disgraceful, particularly as the fire engine was without water.

Residents have now appealed to well-wishers and the county government to intervene and assist them in rebuilding their lives, as some lost all their belongings.