Fire Destroys Kasilili Village, Leaving Over 500 Homeless

• Jul 16, 2025

Over 500 residents of Kasilili Village in Kamukunji were left homeless after a massive fire broke out early Wednesday morning.

The fire started before dawn in the village, located in Airbase Ward, Kamukunji Constituency. It quickly spread through the area, destroying homes and property worth millions of shillings. Many families were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs as the flames reduced their houses to ashes.

By morning, several residents, including mothers and children, sat along the roadside with the few belongings they managed to save. Most were still in shock, unsure of what to do next or where to go.

Eyewitnesses said the fire began near a container close to the homes. According to them, unknown individuals had set tires on fire underneath the container, causing the flames to spread rapidly to nearby houses. The situation worsened because the fire moved too fast for residents to control.

Paul Muthike Mwanzolo, chairman of the local tenants, said they tried to contain the fire with water but failed due to its intensity. Firefighters eventually arrived at the scene but faced access challenges. Mwanzolo explained that the most direct route to the fire was blocked because a nearby garage refused to open its large gate. This forced the fire crew to use a smaller, less convenient entrance, delaying their efforts.

“There are tires that were set on fire, which eventually caused this. We do not know the people who did it,” Mwanzolo said.

One of the affected residents, Eshaa Robina, said she lost everything. She recalled being asleep when a neighbour knocked on her door to warn her. By the time she tried to save her belongings, it was already too late. “I have nothing left. The firefighters could have helped, but I think they were late,” she said in tears.

Mary Syombua, another victim, said she and her children lost everything, including school books and uniforms. She expressed concern about her children’s education since they couldn't attend school after the fire.

Kelly Keva Kitonga said he was alerted at around 1 a.m. by a neighbour. He rushed outside and saw the container beside his house in flames. He and other residents tried to put out the fire with water while waiting for the fire brigade.

The affected families are now waiting for help. Many have called on authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and provide urgent assistance to those displaced. For now, the residents of Kasilili Village remain camped along the roadside, hoping for support to rebuild their lives.