Huruma residents count losses after deadly gas explosion in Madoya slums

Cy Muganda 05th October, 2025 01:35 PM

Caption:8 killed, 80 homes razed in Huruma gas explosion. VIDEO/K24TV

At least eight people are feared dead and approximately 80 others left homeless following a devastating gas explosion and fire that swept through Madoya slums in Huruma, Nairobi County.,

According to eyewitness accounts from residents, the inferno began on Thursday night, October 2, 2025, and was triggered by a gas cylinder explosion that quickly engulfed several structures in the densely populated area.

Residents recount horror

One resident who lost his wife and three children in the inferno described the chaotic scene as the fire broke out in a neighbouring house.

“The fire started downstairs at our neighbour’s place. I don’t know what the problem was; we heard it was gas. I lost my wife, the mother of the house, and I lost my three children and one child of my brother-in-law who was living with us,” he told the media.

Also watch: Embakasi Gas depot explosion leaves trail of destruction, scores injured

Another female resident, currently recuperating in the hospital, recounted her narrow escape from the fire, describing how fast it spread through the tightly packed houses.

“We were sleeping when another girl, Cynthia, came and told me there was a fire and houses were burning. When I came out, I found that the fire had already reached our door. When I tried to leave, the fire had blocked the way, and I couldn’t pass, so I went back. The fire came from behind until young men brought me a ladder, and I escaped. I was injured,” she said.

One bereaved mother spoke of losing her daughter and all her belongings in the fire, and her inability to afford funeral arrangements.

“When I went to check on her, I found it was true; my daughter died. I am left with nothing. I don’t have the money to take my child to the mortuary. I can’t take her home. I am just the way you see me; I have no clothes, nothing. I am left with this small child. I don’t have accommodation. I don’t even know how I will be helped. I am just empty-handed,” she said.

Also watch: Owner of the ill-fated Embakasi gas explosion freed on cash Ksh500,000 cash bail

Delayed emergency response

Residents further raised serious concerns about the delayed response from emergency services, particularly the fire brigade, during the incident and in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“What surprises me is that those who were affected here need help very much. Up to now, the government has not reached them. That is a very big challenge. Those people are going through a lot. Yesterday it rained heavily and those people were outside. Red Cross has not been able to reach here. The county government, led by Johnson Sakaja, slept on the job. Here along Kangundo Road, there is an area that was set up for firefighters so they can reach these lower areas, but when they are called, they respond that they are looking for fuel,” he lamented.