One dead, 50 families homeless after Mukuru night fire

By Sammy Kimatu

Police in Makadara are investigating a night fire that swept through a residential area in Mukuru, Nairobi, killing a 23-year-old man and leaving more than 50 residents spending the night in the cold.

The fire, which broke out at Friday, August 28, 2026 night, destroyed more than 20 structures, according to Makadara OCPD Judith Nyongesa.

The deceased was identified as Fabian Otieno, who police said was inside one of the structures when the fire started.

Speaking to journalists, Ms Nyongesa said investigations had been launched to establish the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the death. She said the blaze caused extensive destruction, with several families losing their homes and belongings.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the vulnerability of residents living in densely populated informal settlements, where closely packed structures and narrow pathways can make it difficult for emergency responders to reach affected areas quickly.

Fabian’s death has left his family struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

Fabian Otieno, 23, who died in the inferno. Photo/Sammy Kimatu/Family album

His sister, Cynthia Atieno, 26, said her brother was asleep when the fire broke out.

“My brother was the last born in a family of four. We are counting a big loss. Our parents are at our rural home. I do not know where to start and what to do,” Ms Atieno said as she wept.

The family is now faced with the difficult task of making funeral arrangements while also coming to terms with the loss of their youngest child.

Residents said the fire spread quickly from one structure to another, leaving many people with little time to remove their belongings or escape to safety. Some residents were forced to flee their homes with only the clothes they were wearing.

More than 50 people were left without shelter after their houses were destroyed. They spent the night outdoors, exposed to the cold, as they waited for assistance from well-wishers, local leaders and relevant authorities.

Congestion hampers fire response

Area chairman Nicholas Mavindu said the response from the Nairobi County fire brigade was hampered by the congested nature of the settlement.

According to Mr Mavindu, a fire engine from Nairobi County arrived at the scene on time but could not access the affected area because of the congestion caused by closely packed houses.

Cynthia Atieno, 26, the sister to the deceased. Photo/Sammy Kimatu

He said the incident demonstrated the challenges emergency teams face when responding to fires in densely populated settlements.

“The fire engine arrived on time, but it could not access the scene due to congestion of houses,” Mr Mavindu said.

Residents have called for urgent measures to improve access roads and emergency response systems in the area. They said the narrow spaces between houses not only make movement difficult for residents but also create serious challenges for firefighters during emergencies.

The destruction has also left affected families in need of basic necessities, including food, clothing, bedding and temporary shelter.

Some of the displaced families. Photo/Sammy Kimatu

Local leaders are expected to work with relevant government agencies and humanitarian organisations to assess the extent of the damage and determine how best to assist those who have been displaced.

Safety concerns

The fire comes amid persistent concerns over safety in informal settlements across Nairobi, where high population density, the close proximity of structures and limited access routes can contribute to the rapid spread of fires.

Residents said the loss of Fabian should serve as a reminder of the need for better fire-prevention measures and improved emergency preparedness in densely populated neighbourhoods.

They are now appealing to authorities to consider measures that would allow fire engines and other emergency vehicles to reach residential areas without obstruction.

For Fabian’s family, however, the focus remains on mourning their loved one. His sister said the family was devastated by his death and was uncertain about how to cope with the loss.

As police continue with their investigations, the affected residents face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives after losing their homes and possessions in the blaze.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any information that could help investigators determine how the fire started.

The incident has left the Mukuru community mourning one life lost while dozens of families count the cost of a devastating night that robbed them of their homes and belongings.