Arsonist behind fire that destroyed 69 cars at Malik Heights identified

Disaster management personnel race to contain the Monday night fire at Malik Heights, Nairobi. A car bazaar lost vehicles worth Sh600 million. [John Muchucha, Standard]

Detectives investigating the cause of the night fire at Malik Heights that consumed 69 luxury vehicles among other things have identified the suspected arsonist.

Police have revealed they are looking for the man who has been linked to the incident that also saw property destroyed along Ngong Road, Nairobi.

The arsonist (name withheld for legal reasons) has been placed at the scene of the incident after he was captured on CCTV footage near and within Malik Heights building.

He is said to be a former broker at the business and was captured walking into the compound carrying a jerican believed to have contained fuel.

He then went to the parking area where he sprinkled the chemical and lit a fire before he ran away using the staircase.

Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo said they are looking for a known suspect in the incident. He said preliminary findings show the suspect worked at the yard.

Detectives are said to have visited his Nairobi homes in Eastleigh and Kileleshwa but did not find him.

“We told his people to let him know he is wanted. He has been placed at the scene of the incident and it is believed he was bitter with the business at the building where he was a broker,” said an officer aware of the probe.

Various experts visited the scene.

Alhusnain Motors Limited told police they lost 69 vehicles worth Sh600 million in the Monday night incident.

The stark reminder of just how much was lost in the fire is the charred remains of high end cars that were housed at the complex.

A spot check revealed high-end vehicles that go for millions went up in flames and include the latest models of Lexus, Toyota Prado and Mercedes Benz.

The building, which hosts a car bazaar, restaurant and offices, went up in flames a few minutes before 9pm and explosions could be heard from inside the building as efforts to salvage vehicles parked in the basement were underway.

At least five firefighting vehicles were at the scene including two excavators that were used to clear sections of the road for vehicles salvaged from the building.

The nine-story building was opened for business in 2017 and has few tenants. The incident affected power supply to many local tenants for long before it was restored hours later.