State delivers relief aid to fire victims of Kasilili Village in Kamukunji's Airbase Ward

State delivers relief aid to fire victims of Kasilili Village in Kamukunji's Airbase Ward

Each household affected by the fire received a relief package containing 5 kilogrammes of rice, 5 kilogrammes of beans, one mattress, two blankets, one large bar of soap, and three sanitary towels.

Victims of the early Wednesday morning fire that destroyed homes and properties at Kasilili village in Airbase ward, Kamukunji, have received food and non-food items from the government.

The distribution took place on Thursday morning, hours after Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, visited the area.

During his Wednesday evening visit, CS Ruku told the affected families that he had been directed by President William Ruto to visit the scene of the fire and oversee the delivery of government assistance to the victims.

Each household affected by the fire received a relief package containing 5 kilogrammes of rice, 5 kilogrammes of beans, one mattress, two blankets, one large bar of soap, and three sanitary towels.

Victims of the fire that destroyed homes and properties at Kasilili village in Airbase Ward, Kamukunji, received a relief package containing 5 kilogrammes of rice, 5 kilogrammes of beans, one mattress, two blankets, one large bar of soap, and three sanitary towels on July 17, 2025. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, residents expressed appreciation to the government for the assistance.

Thura Mamo, one of the victims, said the area Member of Parliament, Yusuf Hassan, played a key role in informing the government about the tragedy and requesting aid.

“Our government has come to our rescue, and we thank them, especially our MP Yusuf. We hold your hand just the way you did with us,” said Thura.

Victims of the fire that destroyed homes and properties at Kasilili village in Airbase Ward, Kamukunji received food and non-food items from the government on July 17, 2025. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Keli Kitonga, another resident whose home was destroyed, said the food and bedding will help him and his family begin to recover from the damage caused by the fire.

“We are happy to see our government providing this kind of help. Hopefully, more of this is on the way,” said Kitonga.

Helena Mbithe, who also lost all of her possessions, said she was glad to receive the supplies. She confirmed receiving rice, beans, a mattress, and other basic items she needed.

Some of the mattresses that were given to victims of the fire that destroyed homes and properties at Kasilili village in Airbase Ward, Kamukunji, from the government on July 17, 2025. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

“Ruto has sent his people, and we saw them as they brought these items. We are very thankful,” Mbithe told The Eastleigh Voice.

However, not all of the victims were fully satisfied. Some of the affected mothers said that while the donations were helpful, they still have nowhere to store or use the items because their homes were completely destroyed in the fire.

They explained that they lack shelter and other basic necessities, and some of them are now staying in makeshift tents or with relatives in nearby areas.

When CS Ruku visited the village on Wednesday evening, he mentioned that the government might provide Sh2,000 to each of the victims. However, by Thursday, no such funds had been distributed, and some residents were unsure if the money would be delivered later or if plans had changed.

According to the records available at the office of the area chief, the fire affected a total of 120 households, with more than 200 people directly impacted. The blaze, which started before dawn on Wednesday, destroyed multiple homes, forcing families to evacuate and seek temporary shelter.

The victims are now appealing for continued support, especially in terms of temporary shelter and financial assistance to help them rebuild their lives and recover from the loss.

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