Community devastated after fire claims child’s life, destroys homes in Kamukunji’s Kinyago Kanuku
The fire broke out around 10 am, rapidly tearing through the tightly packed, flammable makeshift homes and filling the air with thick smoke for over three hours as residents looked on helplessly.
A child’s life was tragically cut short in a devastating fire that swept through Kinyago Kanuku in Nairobi's Kamukunji on Monday morning.
Eleven-year-old David Munenea was burned beyond recognition, leaving a grieving community grappling with the loss of more than 300 homes and treasured belongings reduced to ash.
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The fire erupted around 10 am, racing through the tightly packed makeshift homes made of wood, metal sheets, and other flammable materials. Thick smoke choked the air for more than three hours as residents watched helplessly.
Nairobi County firefighters climb onto rooftops to access the burning homes in Kinyago Kanuku to battle the raging fire. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Emergency crews struggled to reach the blaze. Narrow, congested roads cluttered with electricity poles blocked access for fire engines. Desperate residents tried dousing the flames with water from nearby rivers and taps, but the fire proved overwhelming.
Boniface Mwangi, a resident, described the horror: "The fire moved so fast, and the smoke was suffocating. We did everything we could, but it wasn't enough. We felt powerless."
Gas explosion
The fire is suspected to have started from a gas explosion in the home of a person with hearing and speech disabilities, who was unable to raise an alarm in time.
Fire trucks eventually accessed the area through the nearby Air Force base with help from local leaders and the military, but by then the damage was done. It took until 2 pm the following day to fully contain the flames.
Youths join firefighters in battling the blaze that tore through Kinyago Kanuku, leaving homes and belongings in ruins. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Alongside the child’s death, another young person was severely burned, and several others were injured by flying debris.
"The fire truck couldn't get through, so we asked for help. The army helped by allowing the vehicle through the Air Force area," Mwangi explained. "The main problem is poor road access, with electricity poles blocking the way. Many families are now left out in the cold. We've lost a child and have several injuries. We urgently need help."
Huseein Kimani, who joined rescue efforts, said access for emergency vehicles was nearly impossible.
"The boy who died was so badly burned... It's a pain no parent should ever know. Many others were hurt trying to escape the fire's path."
Lost sense of safety
For many families, the losses went beyond homes—they lost their sense of safety.
Evelyne, a mother of four, wept as she recounted her ordeal: "I had just been to the hospital with my child, who had a broken arm. When I came back, everything I owned was gone. The house, the clothes, even important documents—all reduced to ashes. Some people took what little was left. Now, I have nothing."
Youths salvage metal frames from the rubble after a fierce fire destroyed homes in Kinyago Kanuku. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Maarua Wanjiru recalled the chilling moment she heard the screams: "My neighbour's house was on fire, and their two-month-old baby was covered in smoke. They also lost their son, who had a disability. We are desperate for help, for hope."
Others, like Kemi Julian, a Karamajong woman, salvaged only a handful of belongings. She now sleeps outside with her community.
"We have nowhere to go," she said softly. "We are asking, pleading for help."
Justus Muchiri, Chairperson of Brazil Kinuku, said firefighters faced near-impossible odds.
A man stands outside as smoke billows from burning houses in Kinyago Kanuku, where a fire killed an 11-year-old boy and displaced hundreds of families. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Extremely destructive
"The fire was extremely destructive," Muchiri said. "The narrow roads, blocked by electricity poles, prevented fire trucks from reaching the affected areas quickly. This delay contributed to the extensive damage and displacement of families."
He added, "We had to break water pipes to get water flowing because there are no reliable water points nearby. We relied on river water, which is not ideal in emergencies."
Muchiri warned of the ongoing crisis: "Many families are spending nights outdoors without adequate shelter, food, or clean water. This community requires urgent assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, and medical care. We call on government agencies, NGOs, and other organisations to provide help."
He also urged long-term investment: "The fire revealed the vulnerability of our settlement's infrastructure. We need investments in safer roads and accessible water points to prevent future emergencies. The community is prepared to rebuild, but it requires support from leaders and organisations."
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