NAIROBI, Kenya- A massive fire tore through Ruiru’s Biashara Ward early Sunday morning, February 8, destroying business premises worth millions of shillings and raising fresh questions over safety and land-use disputes in the fast-growing Kiambu town.
The blaze broke out near the entrance of the Ruiru Municipality offices, adjacent to the Ruiru Chief’s offices, catching traders off guard as flames rapidly engulfed iron-sheet structures housing multiple businesses.
Witnesses told reporters they heard a loud explosion moments before the fire erupted, fuelling speculation that a gas leak may have triggered the inferno.
Photos and videos seen by kenyans.co.ke show thick plumes of smoke rising above the area as fire razed rows of makeshift structures, leaving business owners counting heavy losses.
No Casualties Reported, Emergency Response Questioned
While no fatalities or injuries had been officially confirmed by the time of publication, authorities were yet to release a comprehensive damage assessment.
Notably, no emergency service providers were visible at the scene hours after the fire started, raising concerns among residents and traders over delayed response efforts.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
MCA Raises Sabotage Claims
Biashara Ward Member of County Assembly Kimani Nduta linked the incident to a planned public participation meeting that was scheduled to take place in the area.
According to the MCA, the meeting was intended to engage local business owners on plans to vacate the land safely, including discussions around possible compensation.
“We were supposed to hold a public participation meeting to discuss how people would vacate this area and whether compensation would be considered,” Nduta said.
“We were waiting for that meeting, but instead we woke up to a fire. I have many questions. This coincidence is troubling,” he added.
The claims have not yet been independently verified.
Growing Safety Concerns
With fires increasingly reported in commercial and industrial zones, questions are mounting around urban safety planning, enforcement of regulations, and emergency preparedness—particularly in rapidly expanding towns like Ruiru.
Authorities are expected to release further details once investigations are complete.
