Lang’ata fire: Sonko suspends Nairobi fire department director

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has suspended a senior official following the Sunday night inferno that killed four people and left 14,000 others homeless in the informal settlements of Kijiji in Lang’ata estate, Nairobi.

In a letter dated January 29, 2018 the County Director in Charge of Fire Department, Mr. Brian Chunguli Kisali was instructed to submit a hand over report to the Acting County Secretary and proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect.

Mr. Chunguli was accused of negligence in handling the incident where it is reported four fire engines ran out of water a few minutes after arriving at the scene, leaving the raging inferno to spread.

“Reports reaching this office indicate that you did not carry out your duties and responsibilities as required of you as the officer in charge of Fire and Rescue services… Your team lacked direction and coordination resulting into deaths and loss of property due to mismanagement of the fire disaster,” read part of the letter.

Mr. Chunguli was given a 14-day period to show cause why he should not be summarily dismissed from service.

“In the meantime, it has been decided that you be and are hereby interdicted from exercising the duties of your office with immediate effect pending finalization of your case,” the letter continued.

The inferno, which began at around 8pm was contained at 1:30am through a joint effort by the Nairobi Fire Brigade, National Disaster Management Unit and local residents.

The displaced families have sought refuge at Ngei Primary School as they come to terms with the tragedy that befell them last night.