NGURUBANI, Kenya — Furniture workshop traders in Ngurubani town, Mwea Constituency, are counting heavy losses after a devastating fire razed their workshops in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The blaze, which erupted around 1am, completely destroyed furniture belonging to four local traders. Remarkably, no injuries were reported.
Martin Mwaura, a resident who witnessed the fire while parking nearby, described the scene as shocking.
“I could not imagine seeing such a huge fire consuming the furniture. I immediately raised the alarm, and residents rushed to help, but our efforts could not contain the inferno,” Mwaura said.
Anthony Mucheke, chairman of the Ngurubani business community, said the affected traders faced significant losses.
He also highlighted the urgent need for fire-fighting services in Mwea Constituency.
“Firefighters had to travel over 40 kilometres from Kerugoya in Kirinyaga Central. Mwea is the largest constituency in the county by population, yet we lack a local fire service,” Mucheke said.
Residents battled the flames with buckets of water until about 3am while waiting for the fire brigade.
Mwaura further raised concerns about the county fire engine, which arrived without water, suggesting possible mechanical issues.
Traders affected by the fire have appealed for support, saying the incident wiped out their livelihoods.
Detectives from Wang’uru Police Station confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.
