Category: Fire

On the night of Thursday May 2, a fire happened in Kiamaiko close to Huruma Nursing. Lots of property was destroyed, and the residents were unable to salvage their belongings. One persons was taken to hospital with injuries, and the rest of the victims have been unable to build back their houses, and many of them continue to sleep outside in the rain. Also, the children who were affected have not been able to go back to school. These victims (see the list below) need urgent assistance, and we ask for any food stuffs, clothes or goods you can give to help them build back their lives. Rahma Wako of MSJC and also of Kiamaiko is collecting funds to support those affected. Rahma can be reached at this number: 0716261113. See the list of victims and pictures of the fire and its aftermath below. We thank you, as always, for your solidarity

List of Fire Victims

1. Julia Mukami
2. Lukan Karuri
3. Esther Wawira
4. Faith Wanjiku
5. Julius Agosi
6. Paul Murimi
7. Abadaso Roba
8. Mutezi Ali
9. Jane Njuguna
10. Mama Zainabu
11. Margret Odali
12. Sofi Wambui
13. Florence Kalekye
14. Janet Wanjira
15. Ado Yusuf
16. Salimu Ajira
17. Paul Karanja
18. John Mwangi
19. Peter Mutisya
20. Lucia Wangeshi
21. John Ngunjune
22. Joseph Njoroge
23. Alice Katumbi
24. Kelvin Mwangi
25. Francis Franco
26. Mary Wanjiru
27. Catherine Njeri
28. Jane Wangari
29. Janet Wanjiru
30. Mama Koi
31. Joseph Chitwa
32. Juliana Kavita
33. Gregory Njuguna
34. Eunice Mutuku
35. Catherine Maina
36. Catherine Nzilani
37. Joyce Wangari
38. Anna Katunge
39. Lucy Nyambura
40. Anna Wanjiku
41. Rose Kemunto
42. Teddy Otieno
43. Macharia Masaa
44. Muthoni Njeri
45. Denis Denis
46. Zainiz
47. Adunje
48. Irungu
49. Wanderi
50. Zainabu Kache
51. Mama Chure
52. Safo
53. Alice
54. Fatuma
55. Abdulahi

Fire has been a constant problem for the people of Mathare. On the Christmas eve 2017, Hospital ward/Kosovo  experienced one of the biggest fires in the history of Mathare. Over 500 hundred houses burnt down and over 3000 people were left with absolutely nothing. Luckily, no lives were lost.

After the fire, there was a one week mobilization of resources both in cash and in kind to help the fire victims during these difficult times. Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC) joined local churches and other organizations to do what they could for those affected, while also encouraging others to support the victims though clothing, bedding, food and even cash donations. It was especially saddening that the Country of Nairobi did not do anything for these victims. .

Saturday 29th December 2017 was the day a team came together, coordinated by Jude Muchiri, to visit the fire victims with all the resources they had put together. The day started by sorting and giving out clothes, and over 400 people were able to pick shoes and clothes donated to replace those that burnt in the fire. Then a group of community volunteers prepared food for the fire victims: that is breakfast, lunch and super. Over 200 people were fed at a community social hall which was also being used as a temporary shelter for women​ and young children who were displaced by the fire.

After this the team catered to special needs groups such as the elderly, disabled and people living with HIV, and gave them each a food package to last them a week.

The last activity of the day was visiting Humble Heart Centre Home that was started by Mr.Naphtali Njoroge and his wife. Mr.Naphtali started this centre after he lost 3 of his children to a fire in 2005, his wife also sustained serious injuries in this fire that killed their children. His centre is home to 30 children who were left homeless after fires. The team left him with a lot of food for the children and  put plans in place to visit and support his centre in the days to come.

We have more solidarity activities planned for the fire victims over the next few weeks together with other residents, well wishers and community organizations in Mathare.

From MSJC we send a big thank you to all the people who sent in their contributions, and did all that they could do reach out to the people of Mathare. Please receive our deep and sincere gratitude. We also ask that the government finds a permanent solution to dealing with fires in Mathare. In 2017 alone, we have experienced four fire tragedies! We ask that the county assembly treats this as an epidemic in Mathare and other poor settlements across Nairobi.

Report by Juliet Wanjira

See more pictures from the day below: