A family at Gakeu village in Gatundu North, Kiambu County is counting losses after a fire gutted down their 10-bedroom house in mysterious circumstances, leaving them homeless.
Property worth hundreds of thousands of shillings was destroyed during the incident that occurred on Tuesday evening despite the affected family, neighbours and Kiambu fire brigades trying to salvage whatever they could.
The voluminous, magnificently built one-storey building was home to Wanjiru Wa Kimuhu, an elderly, frail widow whose husband died several years ago.
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According to Kamau Kimuhu, a son of Wanjiru, he learnt about the fire after hearing his mother scream from upstairs around 3 pm.
His mum was however rescued by a woman who was around their home at the time.
The fire bridged from Kiambu County however arrived in 20 and began the rescue process.
“We did not manage to salvage anything. All electronics, furniture, clothes and other house appliances were reduced to ashes. We however thank God that no one was injured during the incident,” Kimuhu said.
Although the fire was extinguished within minutes, nothing substantial was salvaged from the inferno.
A loss estimated at in excess of Sh600,000 was incurred during the incident.
“We are counting huge losses; in fact, we will start from zero and do not know how to start life afresh. Any help from well-wishers will be highly appreciated,” Kimuhu added.
Elizabeth Nyambura, who has been living with the widowed woman, said she got the shocking news while working at the family’s coffee plantation.
“I was working at the coffee farm when I heard a funny sound, seemingly like that of an electric fault. I came back to the house only to find that the house was on fire. I could not save anything apart from what I’m wearing. This is very devastating,” Nyambura, the house caretaker told journalists.
Residents led by Rose Wambui called on well-wishers to support the family with food items, clothes and finances to help rebuild the house whose entire roof was also brought down.
“We are urging well-wishers to come on board and help this family recover from the shock. Any financial help, clothing and food is welcome to help them recoup,” Wambui said.
