Property worth millions destroyed in Kahawa Wendani fire

Traders at Kahawa Wendani in Ruiru Constituency are counting losses after property worth millions of shillings was destroyed in 3 am fire that gutted 32 stalls on Tuesday.

The fire whose cause is yet to be established is said to have started from a hotel before spreading to other stalls through the ceiling.

Kahawa Wendani Location Chief Christine Makimei told the media that she received calls from a distressed woman at around 4:45 am informing her that she had heard screams for help in the area.

The 32 stalls consisted of tens of pubs, salons, barber shops grocer stalls, boutiques, butcheries and general shops.

Martin Muhoro, a butchery owner, said he lost his stock of meat, over 150 pieces of chicken stored in a deep freezer as well as other kitchen appliances.

The landlady said she could not tell if the fire was caused by electricity fault or charcoal from the kitchen.

Area MP Esther Gathogo called on the affected business owners to maintain calm as police investigate the cause of the fire.