In a tragic incident on Monday night, over 100 households in Nairobi’s Mukuru-Kwa Njenga slum, Embakasi South sub-county, were left homeless after a fierce fire destroyed their homes in the Muindi Mweusi area.

Families spent the night in the cold, grappling with the devastating loss.

Eric Ambuche, the Area Nyumba Kumi chairman and Founder of Slums Outreach, reported that the fire started in a salon where a water heater had been left unattended.

The blaze spread rapidly, triggering explosions from gas cylinders in the mabati-built homes, causing widespread panic and forcing residents to flee for their lives.

Reverend Dr. Milton Agusioma of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church recounted the extensive damage to the church, including the loss of the public address system and furniture.

Residents criticized the city county government for the delayed response of the fire brigade, which arrived two hours after the fire began.

Embakasi police boss Wesley Kimeto confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire. As the community deals with the aftermath, the resilience and solidarity of the residents are evident, with neighbors coming together to support each other in this time of need.