A morning fire at Kerugoya Prison in Kirinyaga County has left 21 prison officers’ homes in ruins, destroying household property and putting the county government’s emergency response capacity under renewed scrutiny.
The blaze broke out at the prison staff quarters and spread rapidly through the wooden houses before firefighters from the Kirinyaga County Government arrived at the scene.
The fire crew worked to bring the situation under control and managed to stop the flames from reaching more houses. A county clean-water vehicle was also used to support the firefighting operation.
While the response team eventually contained the fire, the incident left affected officers and their families with little to salvage after their personal belongings were destroyed.
Kirinyaga County Police Commander Mohamed Jire said early findings suggested that a candle could have started the fire after being left burning inside one of the houses.
Jire confirmed that 21 houses were affected and said prison officers living in the quarters lost their belongings in the incident.
The destruction has now raised questions about the county’s readiness to deal with fires, particularly claims that some of its firefighting vehicles have not been operational.
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango demanded answers over reports that county fire engines had been out of service for nearly two years.
Murango pointed out that the affected staff quarters were situated near a parking area where the county’s fire engines were reportedly stationed, but could not be deployed because they were not in working condition.
“The burning down of prison officers’ houses in Kirinyaga is a deeply concerning incident that calls for accountability,” Murango said.
He said the situation had exposed concerns about the county’s ability to respond quickly when fires break out and 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 said.
Murango also said the county government should account for the losses suffered by the prison officers and their families while explaining why the fire engines had allegedly remained grounded 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,” Murango said.
Kerugoya Ward MCA Eric Muchina also questioned the county’s fire response arrangements, saying the county assembly had set aside Sh50 million for firefighting equipment.
Despite the allocation, Muchina questioned why water bowsers continued to be used when responding to fires.
“This is not the first incident,” Muchina said.
The latest fire is expected to increase pressure on the Kirinyaga County Government to clarify the condition of its firefighting fleet and explain how funds allocated to improve emergency services have been used.
The incident has also renewed attention on the ability of authorities to respond to fires in densely populated residential areas.
In a separate incident weeks earlier, residents of Kangemi in Nairobi were forced to flee after a fire broke out in residential buildings behind the Posta area.
Thick black smoke rose over the neighbourhood as flames spread through the buildings, with residents seen escaping and others attempting to retrieve household items from the affected structures.