Residents of Waruku in Kileleshwa Ward, Nairobi County, are grappling with heavy losses after a devastating fire swept through the area late Monday night, destroying homes and businesses and leaving dozens displaced.
The blaze, which erupted on the night of May 25, 2026, quickly spread through the densely populated settlement, fueled by the closely built structures.
By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, large sections of the area had already been engulfed in flames, with residents making frantic efforts to rescue their belongings and save neighboring houses from catching fire.
Waruku residents count losses after devastating midnight blaze. Photo: Courtesy.
According to preliminary reports, at least 20 houses and 11 business premises were destroyed in the inferno.
Families were left stranded overnight after the fire reduced property of unknown value to ashes, forcing many to seek shelter in nearby areas.
Emergency response teams from the Nairobi Fire Department managed to contain the fire before it spread further to adjacent structures.
Their intervention helped prevent even greater destruction in the crowded neighborhood.
Videos and images shared online showed towering flames and thick smoke lighting up the night sky as residents scrambled through the chaos.
Some were seen carrying mattresses, electronics, and household items away from the burning buildings, while others helplessly watched their homes and businesses being consumed by the blaze.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the fire spread rapidly across the settlement.
Residents called for urgent support from emergency responders, leaders, and well-wishers to assist affected families who lost nearly everything in the incident.
By Tuesday morning, the cause of the fire had not yet been established, with authorities expected to launch investigations to determine what triggered the inferno.
No fatalities or injuries had been officially confirmed at the time of publication, although many families were displaced and faced an uncertain recovery following the destruction.
