Victims of an inferno that razed 31 houses in Kangemi, Nairobi on Tuesday last week have donations from area leaders as they come to terms with the tragedy.
The inferno, which originated from an electric coil, swept through Dallas Kangemi Ward, leaving dozens of families without homes or possessions.
The donations, presented at an event on Monday in the compound where the fire took place included maize flour, wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, blankets, and sugar.
The affected families, many of whom have been temporarily taken in by neighbours, lost all their belongings in the blaze, including clothing, documents, school uniforms, books, and household items.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi and Kangemi MCA Hamisi Maleya are among the leaders who donated to the affected families.
Kangemi MCA Hamisi Maleya donated mattresses and provided breakfast for the affected families.
During the event, he expressed his commitment to supporting them further.
“It is challenging to start from scratch, especially with Christmas and the new school term approaching in January. As the area MCA, I will prioritise bursary allocations for the victims here to help them take their children back to school in January. Let’s work together in peace and unity.”
Speaking on behalf of Wanyonyi, Esemele Moses, Kangemi Coordinator in the office of the MP, conveyed heartfelt empathy.
“We are sorry for the tragedy that was unexpected, but we are together in this,” he said.
“The MP is not around at the moment; he would have been here personally. He has given these donations to help sustain you a bit as you move forward.”
Sylvanus Okonya, a resident affected by the fire, expressed his gratitude for the assistance.
Margaret Muhadia, another victim of the fire, shared her ordeal.
“The fire started in my house. I alerted others, and we tried to put it out, but we lost everything. Thankfully, I managed to save my children. Thank you for the support, and may you continue with this heart of helping.”
The landlord of the destroyed homes, Henry Ngan’ga Kinuthia, offered words of encouragement to the affected tenants, expressing hope that they would find a way to rebuild.
