Huge fire consumes building at Nairobi West Prison

Building goes up in flames at the Nairobi West Prison, Nairobi. Fire is said to have started at the prison mess.

By Cyrus Ombati

Nairobi, Kenya: Fire fighters Sunday battled a huge inferno that razed down Warden houses at Nairobi West Prison, Nairobi.

The fire that started at the prison mess is said to have been caused by a leaking gas cylinder, however police say they are investigating the origin.  

Witnesses at the scene said they heard three explosions at the Warden houses before they went up in flames. No casualties were reported following the mid-day inferno.

The prison facility holds medium term prisoners.

Several fire engines from the county government and private ones arrived at the scene to contain the fire.

Nairobi deputy police boss Moses Ombati said they are yet to know the cause of the fire.

“Our aim now is to contain it. It is huge and we are trying to contain it,” said Ombati.