President William Ruto has assured victims of Saturday morning’s fire in Kibera of full government support, including compensation for those affected.
Speaking at AIC Kibera Church in Nairobi, the President stated that no one will be left out in the exercise.
This, as he disclosed that the government has allocated an initial Sh500 million to address the root causes of such incidents, particularly illegal electricity connections.
He linked frequent fires in informal settlements to these unauthorised power hookups as he explained about the plans to eliminate them citywide.
“We want to remove all illegal connections and establish proper electricity systems that do not result in unnecessary fires, which have continued to cause us losses,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State explained that this initiative is part of a broader government plan to transform Nairobi and uplift the living standards of residents.
“We want every person living in this city to count,” he added.
During the fire in the Makina area, eight people are said to have been killed.
Police said at least 20 others were left with serious injuries.
Of these, seven were dire and were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital.
Ruto also reiterated his commitment to national unity, citing both constitutional and biblical responsibility.
Referencing Psalms 133, he said, “God will command blessings upon our nation, and that is why I am committed to the unity of the people of this nation. We are brothers with one common destiny.”
He called on Kenyans and leaders to ignore critics and "naysayers" who oppose his development agenda.
Drawing from the story of Nehemiah in the Bible, Ruto noted that detractors have always existed.
“There were people like that even in biblical times, they said the wall would collapse. So don’t worry about those voices,” he said.
“Let us not waste time on people who have no plan, no agenda, and no vision. Our economy, education, and health systems are undergoing transformation. I am confident in Kenya’s future, no one should tell you otherwise,” Ruto added
