Mlolongo inferno leaves 50 homeless as families plead for help

Police confirmed the incident and noted that no injuries or fatalities occurred

by GEORGE OWITI

Eastern11 September 2025 - 19:11

In Summary

Michael Mbithi, one of the victims, said he lost everything he owned, including furniture, bedding, three mobile phones, electronics, cash, and vital documents such as his national ID card. He estimated his losses at about Sh150,000.
“I had left home to look for work in Mlolongo when I heard an explosion and saw smoke. By the time I rushed back, our houses had been reduced to ashes,” Mbithi said.

More than 50 residents of Mlolongo in Machakos County have been left homeless after a fire destroyed their houses on Thursday morning.

The blaze broke out at around 11:30 am at Kathangaita village in Athi River Sub-county, reducing a block of ten single-room iron-sheet houses to ashes.

By the time police, neighbours, and the county fire brigade contained the flames, all belongings inside had been lost.

Police confirmed the incident was reported at 1:45 pm and noted that no injuries or fatalities occurred. The cause of the fire is yet to be established, and a fire inquiry file has been opened.

Michael Mbithi, one of the victims, said he lost everything he owned, including furniture, bedding, three mobile phones, electronics, cash, and vital documents such as his national ID card. He estimated his losses at about Sh150,000.

“I had left home to look for work in Mlolongo when I heard an explosion and saw smoke. By the time I rushed back, our houses had been reduced to ashes,” Mbithi said.

He expressed concern that his child, who is preparing for Grade 4 exams, may not be registered in time, as he no longer has an ID card to complete the process.

“I don’t know what to do. My children will find no home when they return from school. We only have the clothes on our backs,” he said.

Other victims, including students, echoed his appeal for urgent support, saying they now face cold nights without shelter, food, or clothing.

Kwambemba assistant chief Richard Kavithi said the fire also spread to an eleventh house before it was contained.

He appealed to well-wishers, the Machakos County Government, the Kenya Red Cross, and other humanitarian organisations to step in and help the affected families rebuild their lives.

Kavithi also urged residents to cooperate with fire brigades during emergencies and refrain from attacking emergency responders.