A fire that swept through parts of Kangemi on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, left several families homeless after a man attempted to take his own life following a failed relationship, according to a resident who witnessed the incident.

The blaze broke out in the densely populated neighbourhood, quickly spreading through closely built houses and destroying household items. Residents said the fire started suddenly, giving many little time to save their belongings.

Vaisha, a Kangemi resident, said the incident began after a young man tried to harm himself following a breakup.

“Kitu imecause moto ni kuna kijana anajribu kujiua ju ya mapenzi,” she said.

She explained that the man had been abandoned by his partner, which led to the incident.

“Msichana wake alimuacha,” Vaisha added.

Witnesses said emergency responders arrived at the scene and rushed the man to hospital.

“So ndio hiyo moto ikaanza akatoka nje ambulance ikakuja ikamchukua,” Vaisha said, noting that the situation unfolded very fast.

As residents worked to contain the flames, several homes were already reduced to ashes.

Families left with nothing

Vaisha said the impact on the community has been devastating.

“Kuna wengine hapa wamechomekewa hawana kitu yoyote. Kuna watu wamepoteza kila kitu,” she said.

Kangemi, like many parts of Nairobi with high population density, faces frequent fire outbreaks due to congested housing, electricity connections and limited access routes for emergency vehicles. Fires in such areas often spread rapidly, especially where homes are built close together using flammable materials.

Local leaders and residents called for calm as investigations into the cause of the fire continued.

In the meantime, affected families are seeking urgent help as they try to rebuild their lives. Vaisha appealed to well-wishers within the area to support those who lost everything.

“We are appealing to people within Kangemi, kama if you know you have something you can help people,” she said.

She said victims urgently need basic household items and temporary shelter.

“Kitu kama matress, blankets, anything that you can offer for them wapate mahali pa kuishi,” Vaisha added.