Residents of Mweiga town in Nyeri County have asked the county government to station a fire engine in town to ensure faster response during fire emergencies.
This is after a family was left counting losses after a fire razed down their home on Sunday while they were attending a church service.
The afternoon blaze is suspected to have been caused by an electric fault that triggered a gas explosion. It destroyed the entire house and the family’s household items, including a motorbike valued at hundreds of thousands of shillings.
“We were heading home from church when we heard loud screams for help. When we arrived at the scene, we found the first responders trying to put out the fire and salvage whatever they could but nothing could be saved,” said Alice Kiboi, who witnessed the incident.
The residents believe that the fire could have been contained and property saved had there been a fire engine nearby. They said that they had to wait for firefighters to be dispatched from Nyeri town, who took about 20 minutes to arrive, causing an unnecessary delay.
“This fire would have been put out earlier if there was a fire engine stationed in Mweiga. We are therefore appealing to the county government to station one engine within the town to help save lives and property during such emergencies,” said Ms Kiboi.
Joseph Wanjere, the affected homeowner, said he was alerted about the incident by his niece while he was still in church. His niece rushed back to church to inform him of the incident.
Wanjere said that the fire has left his school-going children in a bad position just as they were preparing to reopen school for the new academic year.
“We have lost everything. We have no place to sleep, no food, nothing. The only possession we have is the clothes on our backs,” said Wanjere amidst tears.
“My three children, including a Form 4 student and two Grade 8 learners, have lost their school uniforms and learning materials. I don’t know where to start,” he added.
The area Assistant Chief, Simon Kabiru confirmed the incident and said that police had launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire.
He also appealed to well-wishers for assistance, including food, clothing, temporary shelter and support for the school-going children.
“Whatever you can spare for this family is highly welcome so that they will be able to get back on their feet,” said Kabiru.
By Wangari Mwangi
