Nine houses razed in Athi River blaze, dozens of families displaced

Locals mill around the scene of incident as brigade from the County Government of Machakos fight fire at Slota area in Athi River, Machakos county on September 25, 2025./GEORGE OWITI

Dozens of families were left homeless on Thursday after a fierce fire destroyed nine houses in Slota area, Mavoko housing estate, Athi River, Machakos County.

The fire, which broke out at around 4.30pm, gutted property of unknown value, leaving most victims with nothing to salvage. Their households were reduced to ashes in minutes.

Police officers from Athi River Police Station, led by OCS Kipyegon Cheruiyot, quickly responded alongside members of the public and the Machakos County fire brigade.

Together, they battled the flames and secured the scene.

Kenya Recross personnel taking details of fire victims in Athi River, Machakos county on September 25, 2025./GEORGE OWITI

Officers also prevented suspected looters from taking advantage of the chaos. The fire was contained to the second floor of the two-storey building, sparing the ground and first floors.

According to police, the alarm was first raised by a local administrator who called in after being alerted by residents.

Investigations show the blaze may have started in houses number 25 and 26 before spreading to neighbouring units. In total, nine houses on the second floor were destroyed.

Police secure the scene of incident as locals watch from a distance after fire razed houses at Slota estate in Athi River, Machakos county on September 25, 2025./GEORGE OWITI

The building, which has 27 double rooms, sits next to Sky Plaza. Police have cordoned off the site as Crime Scene Investigation officers from Kitengela document the damage.

"It's believed that at around 4.30pm, a huge fire was seen emanating from houses numbered 25 and 26. The fire was contained by the Mavoko subcounty fire brigade. Nine houses on the second floor were burnt," a police report seen by the Star read in part.

The two-storey building whose 9 houses were razed at Slota estate in Athi River, Machakos county on September 25, 2025./GEORGE OWITI

No injuries were reported, but the cause of the fire remains unknown. Detectives from the DCI in Athi River have launched investigations.

The incident comes barely a week after another blaze razed 19 houses in a nearby building, just 800 metres from Thursday’s fire.

Police officers securing the scene where houses were razed at Slota in Athi River, Machakos county on September 25, 2025/GEORGE OWITI

Athi River MCA Jeremiah Kaloi has urged residents to be more cautious when using gas cylinders and jikos indoors, warning that negligence could lead to further tragedies.