Mlolongo traders count losses after fire razes over 30 commercial units

What remains after the fire tragedy in Mlolongo on June 3, 2025./GEORGE OWITI

Traders in Mlolongo, Machakos County, are reeling from massive losses after a fire gutted more than 30 commercial units on Tuesday morning, destroying years of investment and livelihoods.

The blaze, which broke out around 9am along Heshima Street, consumed rows of mabati structures used as guest rooms, an office, and a bar. By the time firefighters and residents managed to contain it nearly three hours later, little was left standing.

“I opened my office in the morning and went to work. A short while later, I got a call telling me my property was on fire. I rushed back and found everything engulfed in flames,” recounted Samson Mwatu, one of the property owners.

Aftermath of the fire tragedy in Mlolongo./PHOTO: GEORGE OWITI

Mwatu said he lost everything in the 17 lodges he operated on the premises, including beds, mattresses, and other fittings. Like other affected traders, he suspects an electrical fault sparked the devastating fire.

“There were power surges throughout the night on Monday,” he said, shaking his head as he surveyed the smoldering ruins.

Aftermath of the fire tragedy in Mlolongo./PHOTO: GEORGE OWITI

Mlolongo acting chief Saulo Mwasya confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

Mwasya said more than 30 units belonging to different local investors were razed during the fire incident. 

He noted, however, that this was not the first time the same property had suffered fire damage in past years.

“Machakos County fire brigade responded quickly after being alerted, but the fire had already consumed a lot. Members of the public also tried to help, but the damage was extensive,” Mwasya said.

Aftermath of the fire tragedy in Mlolongo./PHOTO: GEORGE OWITI

Preliminary investigations point to an electrical fault as the likely cause. Chief Mwasya urged residents to be more vigilant and to alert emergency services promptly during such incidents to minimise damage and loss.

Machakos County Chief of Staff Lawrence Ngovi, who also visited the scene, expressed concern over reports of looting that emerged as traders struggled to salvage what they could.

Aftermath of the fire tragedy in Mlolongo./PHOTO: GEORGE OWITI

Ngovi cautioned against illegal electricity connections, warning they pose serious fire risks in densely built-up areas like Mlolongo.

“Kenya Power needs to inspect connections here. Many of these mabati structures have naked wires running over the roofs,” he said. “Everyone should be properly connected to the national grid to avoid such tragedies in the future.”

As the affected traders begin to assess the true extent of their losses, they say they hope for urgent support and stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents from happening again.