Fireworks blaze destroys family home in Kiambu

A family in Gitaru, Kiambu, lost their home to a fire caused by fireworks on New Year’s Eve, highlighting the dangers of unregulated pyrotechnics.

Joyce Erusa, one of the victims, said that the fire emanated from the bedroom where a child tried to ignite the fireworks-producing item.

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“Kiberiti ilikuwa hapo kwa meza, sasa akawakisha hiyo yenye, kulikuwa na kadogo kenye alikuwa nako kumbe aliwakishia huku bedroom. Sasa mimi nikaskia kitu ikifanya tu. Dakika kidogo tena nikaskia ingine. Arufu ya moshi sasa nikaanza kuskia kitu inachomeka,” she said. “Sasa mimi nikaskia kitu ikifanya tu. Dakika kidogo tena nikaskia ingine. Arufu ya moshi sasa nikaanza kuskia kitu inachomeka.”

Erusa said she initially checked the kitchen, which was clear, before discovering that the mattress in the bedroom had caught fire.

“Nikaingia jikoni kwanza nikapata jikoni kuko clear. Sasa vile niliingia bedroom dio nikapata mattress imeshika moto.”

“Nikajaribu vile nitazima nikatoka nje mbio nikaambia jirani yangu nikatoka nikakutana na mwanaume mwingine hapo nikamwambia akuje anisaidie kwangu kumewaka moto. Kufika huyo mwanaume akaniambia ‘hakuna vile nitakusaidia hii moto ni mingi.'”

The mother explained how quickly the fire spread, destroying all their possessions.

“Juu vile nilirudi hivi kujaribu kuingia niokoe vitu, moshi ikanipiga nikaona nitazirai. Tulikuwa tumejipanga tupeleke mtoto shule, vitu zote zimechomekea kwa nyumba hatujui tutaanzia wapi. Ndio mwaka imeanza, yani sijielewi. Hatujielewi tutaanzia wapi. Mkipenda tu mtusaidie. Chochote chenye mtakuwa nacho,” Erusa said.

Lawrence Njoroge, the father, said the incident had ruined the start of his year.

“Mimi mwaka wangu umeanza vibaya sababu, kwa nuclear family yangu, mimi nikiwa baba, na bibi na watoto. Umeanza vibaya kwa sababu hakuna mtu ako na kitu ata kidogo,” he said.

Senior Chief James Gitau called for action to prevent similar incidents.

“I think it’s recommendable that the fireworks will be removed from the shelves so that we avoid children continuing buying them,” he said.

Kanja warns on fireworks

The fire comes after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja issued warnings ahead of the New Year celebrations. Kanja urged Kenyans to be mindful when using fireworks, especially around children, the elderly, and persons with special needs. He stressed that fireworks should only be handled by licensed operators with the necessary approvals.

Kanja warned that unregulated use of fireworks posed serious risks, including fires, injuries, and panic. He also called on parents to know the whereabouts of their children during the celebrations and reminded business owners and managers of entertainment venues to maintain order and comply with safety regulations.

“Unregulated use poses serious risks, including fires, injuries, and unnecessary panic. Let us celebrate in a manner that does not endanger others or disturb the public peace,” Kanja said.