Fire destroys property in Kisii town's Jua Kali area

Kisii town residents watch helplessly as fire gutters down property worth millions in the town's Jua Kali center on 21.7.2017. The fire broke out at around midnight on Friday. (Photo Eric Abuga/Standard)

Property of unknown value was destroyed by fire that razed down shops at Kisii Town's Jua Kali center Friday night, two weeks after the county's fire truck was repossessed by suppliers.

The fire truck was repossessed after the county allegedly failed to pay the monthly lease fee to the Thika-based firm which owns it.

In the Friday night incident, residents were woken up by huge inferno that engulfed the area that is located approximately 200 meters from the County's fire station.

Several business people owning carpentry shops said they had made huge loses and called on the security forces particularly the Criminal Investigation Department to carry out thorough investigations.

"We are deeply concerned of the mysterious fires that keep on engulfing this town. Nobody has ever been arrested yet we have a credible police force. It is unfortunate fire can raze property within the CBD and nothing can be salvaged," said Mr George Kariuki, a Jua Kali operator in the town.

Despite efforts by the County Government's Disaster Management team, the fire spread too fast as the residents watched helplessly.

Kisii town has experienced several fire incidents with the recent one happening few meters from yesterday's where property worth millions was again destroyed. After investigations no report has ever been made public over the many fire incidents in the town.

Kisii Central OCPD Francis Nguli led a combined team of Administration Police and Kenyans in the recovery mission.

Two weeks ago the County Disaster Management Director Mr Julius Tinega, had warned that the repossession of the fire engine was likely to incapacitate rescue mission.

He blamed the national government for its failure to disburse Sh45 million the county had requested to purchase a new fire engine.