A devastating fire engulfed several houses in Kwa Kassim, Tassia, Embakasi East in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving several people injured and many more homeless. The inferno, which broke out before dawn, caused widespread destruction, reducing property worth millions to ashes.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters and local residents, battled the flames and managed to contain the fire before it spread further. However, by the time it was extinguished, significant damage had already been done. The injured individuals were promptly transferred to Mama Lucy Hospital for medical attention, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino expressed his devastation over the incident and called for prayers and support for the affected families.
“Pray for us as fire is currently razing down houses in Tassia, Embakasi East,” Owino said in a statement during the emergency. Later, he lamented the losses suffered by his constituents, saying, “Property worth millions has been destroyed. Children, men, and women have been left homeless and forced to spend the night in the cold. What a sad night in Embakasi East.”
The cause of the fire has yet to be established, though authorities have launched investigations to determine the origin of the inferno. Meanwhile, community members and local leaders have called for urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, and medical support, for the displaced victims.
Fires in informal settlements and densely populated areas like Tassia are not uncommon, often fueled by poor electrical wiring, use of highly flammable building materials, and the close proximity of houses. The incident underscores the need for improved fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in such areas.
As the affected families struggle to rebuild their lives, well-wishers and organizations have been urged to extend aid to those who have lost everything. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many urban dwellers and the need for proactive measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
