On Saturday night, a fire in the Mukuru slums killed a 50-year-old man and left more than 200 households without power in Makadara, Nairobi.
According to Makadara deputy police chief Judith Nyongesa, the incident occurred in the Kambi Moto area of the Mukuru Kayaba slum in Starehe sub-county.
Ms Nyongesa went on to say that her officers have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which is believed to have started at 3 p.m.
Police identified the dead man as Mr Simon Muli Kivindyo from Munyuni village in Mbooni, Makueni County.
In the aftermath of the fire, books, clothing, and plastics were strewn about.
The affected area was occupied by houses, according to Jane Mbula, the neighbourhood chairperson, and no commercial structures were located there.
Ms Mbula went on to say that, in addition to the deceased man, more than five people were injured while attempting to save their property. They received treatment in slum clinics.
A gas cylinder exploded and hit Mr Muli as he came out of his house, according to Mr David Kamau, a 52-year-old carpenter who has lived in the slum for more than 20 years.
According to Ms Mbula, the deceased man was helping another victim salvage his household items when he died.
“The gas cylinder hit him on the head shattering [his skull]. It was frightening. Few people could bear to see the body,” Ms Mbula said.
Due to the crowded houses, fire engines were unable to reach the scene of the fire.
