NAIROBI, May 30, 2025 — Westlands MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi on Thursday, May 29, extended a helping hand to 74 families affected by a tragic fire incident in Harlem, Makina, Kibra, that left eight people dead and scores injured.
In a relief exercise held at Masjid Al Munawara Kambi mosque, Hon. Wanyonyi distributed foodstuffs and 100 iron sheets to assist families who lost their homes and belongings in the early morning blaze that struck on Saturday, May 24.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Wanyonyi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and empathized with the victims now grappling with displacement and loss.
“I give my condolences to all those who lost their loved ones and property,” Wanyonyi said. “We cannot turn back time, but we can stand with you and work to restore your lives. I have come to empathize with you and offer some relief as you begin to rebuild.”
The MP criticized the slow response by emergency services, noting the persistent problem of fire engines arriving without water, which contributed to the extensive damage.
“We have been appealing to City Hall to establish well-equipped fire stations within close proximity to residential areas to improve response times. Fires like this should be controlled within five minutes — not hours. As leaders, we will continue reminding the governor to prioritize this,” Wanyonyi remarked.
The lawmaker also pledged to champion the transformation of informal settlements into decent, permanent housing, arguing that Nairobi’s resources could significantly improve residents’ welfare if properly managed.
“When I take over at City Hall, people’s welfare will be my priority — housing, schools, security, roads, and livelihoods. We want a people-centered leadership that addresses the needs of the grassroots,” he added, reaffirming his 2027 gubernatorial ambitions.
Local leaders and residents lauded Hon. Wanyonyi’s visit and gesture.
Makina ODM Youth Leader Ramadhan Abubakar thanked the MP for visiting and supporting the victims.
“Leaders like you are rare. Thank you for coming to assess the situation and standing with us. We will stand with you too,” he said.
Geoffrey Saka, one of the victims, recalled how the fire started while they were asleep. “We lost everything. Our properties, documents, and our children’s school items. We appreciate Hon. Tim Wanyonyi for coming through for us at the grassroots,” he said.
Rena Kassim, another victim, shared how she fled her house with nothing but the clothes on her back. “We lost all our property. I thank Hon. Tim for bringing us relief so we can start picking up the pieces,” she said.
Landlady Nafisa Burhan, whose houses were among those razed, expressed her appreciation for the iron sheets provided. “This was my main source of income. These iron sheets will help me start rebuilding at least five houses,” she said.
Preliminary investigations by police indicate that the fire may have been caused by illegal electricity connections, though some reports suggest a candle might have ignited the blaze. Authorities are continuing with their investigations.
Eight lives were lost — among them two men, two women, and four children, with five victims from a single family. Twenty others sustained injuries, with seven receiving treatment in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The tragedy has reignited calls from Kibra residents and local leaders for a fully equipped fire station within the community to prevent future disasters.
