Several houses at the Kerugoya Prison staff quarters in Kirinyaga County were destroyed after a fire broke out on Tuesday, August 25.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said the fire broke out at the staff residential quarters attached to Kerugoya Prison, leaving most of the houses burnt to ashes.
In a statement, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the incident, calling for accountability and questioning the preparedness of the county government to respond to emergencies.
"The burning down of prison officers’ houses in Kirinyaga is a deeply concerning incident that calls for accountability.
"What is even more disturbing is that the affected homes are neighbours to the parking area where fire engines have reportedly remained grounded and unusable for the last two years," he wrote.
Read More
Murango said the reported condition of the fire engines raises questions about the county's emergency preparedness and its ability to protect residents and their property.
"This raises serious questions about preparedness, emergency response and the responsibility of the Kirinyaga County Government to protect lives and property," he added.
Murango further called on the Kirinyaga County Government to take responsibility for the losses suffered by the affected prison officers and their families and explain why the fire engines had reportedly remained unusable for such a long period.
"The losses suffered by the affected prison officers and their families cannot simply be wished away.
"The County Government must take responsibility, explain why the fire engines have remained grounded for such a long period, and take immediate measures to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated," he further said.
This comes weeks after a major fire broke out in residential buildings behind Posta area in Kangemi, Nairobi, sending residents into panic.
Videos from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky as the fire engulfed the buildings, with residents scrambling to escape and save whatever they could.
Residents were seen running from the affected area, with some attempting to salvage household items as the fire continued to spread through the structures.
Others raised the alarm over people believed to be trapped inside the buildings, amid fears of possible casualties as the blaze intensified.
Prior to that, a massive fire broke out at Dagahaley Market in Dadaab, Garissa County, leaving traders counting losses.
In a statement on Monday, August 10, the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) expressed sympathy to those affected.
"I am deeply saddened by the fire incident at Dagahaley Market and extend my heartfelt sympathies to the traders, families and members of the wider Dadaab community who have been affected," the statement read.
DRS also called on residents to remain calm and prioritise their safety as efforts to respond to the incident continue.
"As the situation continues to unfold, I urge everyone to remain calm, prioritise their safety, and extend support to those affected.
"I also appeal to all members of the community to cooperate with the authorities and response teams as they work to contain the situation and provide assistance," the statement added.
