Dozens left homeless in late night inferno

In yet another incendiary incident in a crowded residential area in the city, Kijiji slum in Southlands, Lang’ata, erupted in a fireball during the night of Saturday 10 February 2024. Property with millions was destroyed and several dozen families left homeless in the fire that erupted at about 9 pm.

The fire department struggled to access the densely populated area as strong winds spread the inferno into adjacent buildings. Neighbouring residents were to flee from their homes with their valuables in a desperate attempt to cut their losses. The Kenya Red Cross who were on site are yet to issue an official statement on the number of casualties related to the incident.

“Last night fire at Southland Kijiji Mugumoini ward left hundreds of families homeless,” announced area MP Jalang’o via his X account Sunday morning. “We are already working on how to resettle the families and help them rebuild their lives again. God above everything.”

Except, there’s a lingering question on everyone’s lips: What in the blazes is going on in Nairobi? And a furtive notion is beginning to form in the minds of city residents…

“So you’re burning their non-rental houses to construct affordable housing?” asked one user in response to Jalang’o’s post.

“Solution to this fires (sic) is working towards a complete eradication of slum dwellings,” retorted another.

“Was it accidental or arson?” inquired yet another user.

“This is a chance to rebuild with a plan! Improve residents’ living conditions and environment for holistic health,” concluded another. Kenyans have since elicited mixed reactions over the incident with some sections of the public apportioning the blame to the government.

One KoX ventured the chilling hypothesis that everyone is now beginning to entertain as a real possibility: “These fires now appear deliberate. Have we started doing slash and burn to clear the way for ‘affordable’ housing?” As with everything in this country, we wait to see.

The official Twitter account of the Government Spokesperson, Executive Office of the President, the 5th Government Spokesman, is yet to comment on the latest fire to raze down a densely populated residential area in Nairobi in just a week. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the inferno.