Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with families affected by a tragic fire in Huruma Ward, Mathare, that claimed eight lives over the weekend.
In a heartfelt statement on Monday, Sonko described the incident as “a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen fire preparedness and emergency response in Nairobi.”
“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the tragic fire incident that occurred in Mathare, Huruma Ward, which has claimed the lives of eight innocent people. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends affected by this tragedy. May God grant them strength and comfort, and may the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Sonko said.
Among the victims was a mother who perished while embracing her twin sons, a scene that Sonko described as “a haunting symbol of a mother’s love, even in her final moments.”
In response, Sonko announced that he had dispatched the Sonko Rescue Team to work alongside community leaders in offering immediate support to the bereaved families.
“As a show of solidarity and support, I have dispatched the Sonko Rescue Team to work closely with the families and community leaders to offer immediate assistance,” he said. “We will cater for the purchase of all eight coffins, provide transportation to various burial destinations, and ensure the departed receive a dignified send-off.”
The former governor also renewed his call for stronger fire safety measures, urging current Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to act on proposals for establishing fire stations in all 17 sub-counties.
“To prevent future loss of life, I strongly encourage the Nairobi County Government to operationalize fire stations in every sub-county. During my tenure, we had already initiated fire stations in Gigiri, Ruaraka, Kagundo Road in Eastlands, and Waithaka to serve Westlands and Dagoretti residents,” he added.
The tragedy in Mathare comes barely two weeks after another fire razed homes in Kanuku informal settlement, California Ward, Kamukunji Constituency, killing an 11-year-old boy, David Munene, and displacing dozens of families.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan confirmed the incident, describing it as part of a worrying pattern of fires in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
“In another terrible tragedy, one person has lost his life and another is in critical condition after a fierce fire swept through the Kanuku settlement,” Hassan said. “These frequent fires demand urgent government intervention to protect vulnerable residents.”
Both leaders underscored the need for long-term urban safety planning, including the improvement of access roads in densely populated areas to allow fire engines to respond swiftly during emergencies.
As families in Mathare and Kamukunji begin the painful process of rebuilding their lives, the call for enhanced fire infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian support in Nairobi grows ever more urgent.
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