KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Several houses at the Kerugoya Prison staff quarters in Kirinyaga County were destroyed after a fire broke out on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out at the residential quarters attached to Kerugoya Prison, with several houses reportedly reduced to ashes.
The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were not immediately established.
Senator raises alarm over fire response
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the incident and questioned the county’s preparedness to respond to emergencies.
Murango said the affected homes were located near a parking area where county fire engines had reportedly remained grounded and unusable for about two years.
“The burning down of prison officers’ houses in Kirinyaga is a deeply concerning incident that calls for accountability,” Murango said.
He questioned why fire-fighting equipment had allegedly remained unavailable despite being located close to the affected residential area.
“What is even more disturbing is that the affected homes are neighbours to the parking area where fire engines have reportedly remained grounded and unusable for the last two years,” he added.
According to the senator, the reported condition of the fire engines raises questions about the county’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and protect residents and their property.
Calls for accountability
Murango called on the Kirinyaga County Government to explain why the fire engines had reportedly remained out of service for such an extended period.
He also urged the county administration to take responsibility for the losses suffered by the affected prison officers and their families.
“The losses suffered by the affected prison officers and their families cannot simply be wished away.”
The senator said immediate measures should be taken to strengthen emergency response capacity and prevent a similar incident from occurring again.
“The County Government must take responsibility, explain why the fire engines have remained grounded for such a long period, and take immediate measures to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated,” he said.
The incident has renewed questions about emergency preparedness in Kirinyaga, particularly the availability and operational readiness of fire-fighting equipment.
Further details on the number of houses destroyed, possible injuries and the cause of the fire were not immediately available.
