7 killed in Pumwani fire incident

By Peter Ochieng

Several families have been thrown into mourning, after their kin died in a fire incident in Majengo, within Pumwani area, Nairobi County.

The Tuesday night incident claimed the lives of 7 people, including three family members as 10 others sustained various injuries. Dozens of families were left homeless, after fire razed down over 50 houses.

The Kenya Red Cross in statement said they are supporting affected families.

“We are continuing to assist the affected families and support search efforts. Our teams remain on the ground to help with recovery and provide relief,” said the humanitarian agency.

The agency reported 16 people having escaped with minor injuries. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bungei, said investigations are ongoing to establish the cause. He said those who died are all men.

“We are investigating the cause of the fire. Those are many people to die in such an incident. They are all men, and we are investigating the tragedy,” stated the police boss.

Various stakeholders including the Nairobi City County Fire Department pulled resources and efforts together to put out the fire.

“Together with the Nairobi City County Fire Department and community members, we have managed to contain a fire incident in Kitui Village, Majengo, Nairobi. The Kenya Red Cross remains on-site, supporting efforts to locate missing persons.”

Fire incidents are common in Nairobi. In August, 2024, two children lost their lives after a fire broke out at a residential block in Umoja 3 estate.

The fire started in one of the houses and quickly spread to neighbouring units. The children aged 4 to 5 years were reportedly alone in their home when the blaze erupted around 9pm.

In July, a fire destroyed Toi Market, leaving traders with massive losses. Similar incidents have occurred in Gikomba and other markets around the city.