A suspected suicide attempt arising from a love dispute sparked a major fire that destroyed hundreds of homes in Kangemi, Nairobi.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred on Tuesday, December 16, after a man allegedly attempted to take his own life following the end of a romantic relationship.
During the incident, a fire broke out and quickly spread through the densely populated informal settlement.
“There is a man whose lover had left him, and he tried to commit suicide. The fire started, but he was lucky to escape. An ambulance arrived and took him to hospital,” a witness told reporters.
The inferno razed hundreds of houses, displacing many families and destroying household items and personal belongings. The value of the losses has not yet been established.
Firefighters from the Nairobi City County responded and managed to contain the blaze after several hours, preventing it from spreading to nearby areas.
No fatalities had been reported by the time of filing this report.
Authorities have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, affected residents have appealed for humanitarian support from the government and well-wishers, citing the loss of shelter, food, and personal effects.
“We are appealing to anyone who can help us with items such as mattresses, blankets, or any other form of assistance,” residents said.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists in Kenya continue to encourage individuals facing emotional distress to seek help. Support is available through the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199.
