Kenya: city slum fires renders 45 families homeless

(SomaliNet) In an incident that rendered about 45 families homeless at Mukuru-Kaiyaba slums in Kenyan capital Nairobi at the weekend, more than 15 houses were burnt.

The fire was caused by a burning stove following a dispute between two couples, Kaiyaba Cluster B chairman Nicholas Mavindu said.

Mavindu said the fire spread fast, fuelled by cartons and old newspapers mounted on walls.

The two couples who were said to have been drunk, fled after angry residents threatened to lynch them.

A witness, Mr Robert Kilatya, said the fire started at around 7pm.

‘‘We struggled to put out the fire for two hours with the help of residents using water while others pulled houses down to prevent it from spreading further,’’ Mr Kilatya told journalists.

He said he only managed to salvage his bed and mattress.
Mrs Margaret Njeri, who owns two houses, said her property was destroyed and only remained with the clothes she was wearing.
Looters posing as good samaritans seized the opportunity to steal the victims’ property.

Mr Mavindu appealed to well-wishers to assist them.

He also asked the Government to educate slum dwellers on disaster management and set up water points that can be used in case of emergencies.

Mrs Teresiah Mona Nzilu, who is contesting the Land Mawe civic seat, visited the area to assist the residents.

No casualties were reported during the incident.

At the same time, an armed gangster masquerading as a street boy was shot dead in Eldoret Town as he tried to rob a businessman of his money.

Police recovered an AK-47 Rifle and 26 bullets from the robber who wore tattered clothes, a dirty cap and worn out shoes.

Speaking at the scene of the killing on Oginga Odinga Street, Uasin Gishu police boss Angelus Karuru thanked the public for frustrating the suspect’s efforts to flee. He shot in the air but ran out of bullets. –Nation