Kitui Village fire victims receive support from local leaders, community groups

Residents of Kitui Village in Kamukunji Constituency who were affected by a devastating fire on Tuesday, have received essential food and relief supplies from their leaders, including Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Both leaders expressed their condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in the inferno and offered support to help them recover from the tragedy.

The Tuesday fire destroyed over 50 homes, leaving around 150 families displaced.

Among the relief items provided were bedding, rice, beans, and other necessities.

Some of the food items that were donated to Kitui Village residents on November 22, 2024. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

MP Yusuf expressed his sorrow over the tragedy.

"It's sad that one family lost four people, the father and three children, and the mother has been left without her children. It's a very sad and big tragedy. We condole with the family and have come with some little help."

He assured the residents that they would continue supporting them to ensure the affected families receive the care they need.

Senator Sifuna pledged to assist the families who lost loved ones in burial arrangements and transportation. He also donated Sh200,000 to support the fire victims.

"I have called Vihiga Senator and asked him to help the families who need assistance with burying their loved ones. What we've done is pay the mortuary fees for the mother and the family, and we will ensure they bury their loved ones," Sifuna said.

He further expressed his commitment to advocating for better living conditions for the people of Majengo, based on what he had witnessed during his visit.

The chairperson of Kitui Village, Nzuki Kilonzo, expressed deep gratitude for the support from the leaders, acknowledging their efforts since the fire struck.

"We are so grateful that our leaders have stood with us. They have provided food items, bedding, and even money to the victims, and we are truly thankful," said Kilonzo.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (in red tie) and Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan (in black jacket) interact with Kitui Village residents on November 22, 2024. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Kilonzo also acknowledged the assistance from the Kamukunji MP, the Nairobi Senator, the Kenya Red Cross, the Mumbai Mosque, and the national government.

"We had a list of all the people affected, and we made sure they benefited from the food distribution, even though we faced the challenge of some people who were not affected coming to ask for help," he said.

Kilonzo noted that some victims had even received financial support, which would help them find alternative housing.

"So far, everyone affected has received the help that was brought," he said.

Some of the residents of Kitui Village who were affected by the Tuesday fire during a meeting with local leaders on November 22, 2024. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Basima Hawa, a resident of Kitui Village, expressed her gratitude for the relief provided by the leaders, saying, "We are grateful for the help we have received in terms of food, bedding, and even money. May God bless them for helping us."

She said she is currently living with a neighbour and is still looking for a place of her own but remains hopeful of a better future.

David Ongai, another resident, thanked the leaders for their support during this difficult time.

"We have received help from different leaders, like Mumbai Mosque, which gave us money. We also received items like rice, cooking oil, and blankets from the Red Cross, the area MP, and the senator. We are so excited."

However, he pointed out that finding employment remains a major challenge, as he strives to get back on his feet.