Residents in Waruku near Kangemi are counting heavy losses after a late-night fire destroyed houses and businesses in Kileleshwa Ward, Nairobi County.

The fire, which broke out on the night of Monday, May 25, 2026, left families stranded and traders counting losses after property of unknown value was reduced to ashes.

According to area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai, at least 20 houses and 11 businesses were heavily affected by the inferno.

“There is emergency fire outbreak in Waruku. Your response and support will be appreciated,” Alai said in a post shared on his official X account on May 25, 2026, at around 9:45 pm.

In a subsequent update posted later in the night, the MCA confirmed the scale of destruction, saying emergency teams were still battling the flames.

Alai confirmed that he was at the scene supervising firefighters.

“Supervising fire extinguishers at night in Waruku. 20 houses and 11 businesses were hugely affected,” he stated.

The Nairobi Fire Department responded to the incident and managed to contain the blaze before it spread further to nearby structures in the densely populated area.

Videos and photos circulating online showed huge flames lighting up the night sky as residents desperately tried to salvage belongings from the burning structures. Some residents were seen carrying household items to safety while others watched helplessly as the fire consumed their homes and businesses.

The cause of the fire had not been established by Tuesday morning, with authorities expected to launch investigations into the incident.

No casualties had been officially reported by the time of publication, although several families were left displaced following the destruction.

Kangemi fire

This comes on the backdrop of another fire incident that destroyed 30 houses and displaced over 30 families, leaving many residents without shelter and basic household necessities in the Ananda Marga area in Kangora, Kangemi Ward, Westlands constituency.

Westlands Member of Parliament (MP) Tim Wanyonyi, in a statement shared via his official X account on Monday, May 25, 2026, said that he had distributed relief support to families affected by the Ananda Marga fire.

He distributed foodstuffs and blankets to all the victims who were greatly affected by the inferno.

“Through my office, we extended relief support to families affected by the recent fire tragedy in Ananda Marga area, Kangora, Kangemi Ward. The unfortunate incident destroyed 30 houses and displaced over 30 families, leaving many residents without shelter and basic household necessities,” Wanyonyi stated.

“To help cushion the affected families during this difficult time, my office distributed foodstuffs and blankets to all the victims who were greatly affected by the inferno.”

He also sympathised with the victims of the fire.

“I sympathize with all the families who suffered losses, including important documents, school items, household goods, and personal belongings. Pole sana to all affected residents. We stand together with you during this difficult moment,” Wanyonyi stated.

“I remain committed to serving the people of Westlands with dedication and compassion as we continue working together to uplift our communities.”