Fire razes 21 houses at Kerugoya Prison staff quarters

Firefighters from the County Government of Kirinyaga, which neighbours the prison, rushed to the scene and tried to contain the blaze.

The team, led by Peter Muriithi, responded swiftly and battled the fire that engulfed the wooden houses, where officers lost personal belongings.

"We acted very swiftly and it is due to our effectiveness that the fire did not destroy everything," Muriithi said.

Muriithi said the clean water vehicle saved the situation.

Confirming the incident, Kirinyaga County Police Commander Mohamed Jire said 21 houses were destroyed and officers' personal property was lost.

The police commander said preliminary reports indicated the fire was caused by a candle that had been left burning in the morning.

Local leaders have condemned the incident, lamenting the lack of a functional fire brigade in the county despite funds being allocated.

Kerugoya Ward MCA Eric Muchina said the County Assembly had set aside Ksh. 50 million for firefighting equipment, but the county government is still using water bowsers to respond to fire incidents.

"This is not the first incident," Muchina said.