Kirinyaga family left stranded after fire razes home

A family member, Joseph Mbirua, said they escaped the inferno unharmed but lost everything in the blaze.

“We managed to get out safely, but nothing was saved. I was left with only the clothes I’m wearing,” Mbirua said, appealing for assistance. He added that the children are now without school uniforms and books.

Neighbours, including Jemimah Mihango and Peter Gitonga, said residents attempted to put out the fire using jerricans of water as they waited for firefighters from Kerugoya, more than 30 kilometres away.

“We tried our best to help, but the fire was too strong. By the time help arrived, everything was gone,” Gitonga said, calling on the county government to station a fire engine in Mwea.

Residents have expressed concern over the rising number of fire incidents in the area. Mutithi Ward MCA and Kirinyaga County Assembly Deputy Speaker Jinaro Njamumo acknowledged the challenge and said measures were being taken to improve emergency response once the Kutus fire station becomes operational.

“Once the fire station is opened, response to fire incidents will be handled without difficulty. People of Mwea have been suffering despite the growth and development of the constituency,” Njamumo said.

The latest incident comes barely a month after another fire on January 10, 2026, destroyed a furniture workshop in Ngurubani town, also in Mwea. Traders are still counting losses from the blaze.

“In an incident that left traders shocked, a fierce fire razed furniture workshops in Ngurubani town. We suffered heavy losses, and that is why we urgently need firefighting services. We currently depend on firefighters from Kerugoya, over 30 kilometres away,” said Anthony Mucheke, chairman of the Ngurubani business community.

Residents and traders are now urging the county government to fast-track the establishment of local firefighting services to prevent further losses.