Police officers in Kitengela were forced to lob teargas canisters in the air to disperse a crowd of people who had turned up to witness a fierce fire that erupted in the town on Tuesday night.
The residents had blocked the fire engine from accessing the raging fire, thereby hampering efforts by the firefighters to extinguish it.
The fire, which left traders counting huge losses, is suspected to have been caused by an electric fault from one of the welding shops before it spread faster.
A mega furniture shop, hotels and containers which serve various businesses including salons, electric shops and cloth outlets were among the business outlets reduced to ashes.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire which broke up on Tuesday around 7:30 pm, was fuelled by a local mattress store.
“Traders have lost millions. Tens of businesses have been reduced to ashes. The fire engine responded on time but unfortunately, wananchi who turned up blocked its access to the scene. We are happy that our security officers acted swiftly to contain the crowd which exposed itself to danger,” Daniel Katoru, a witness, said.
They say the county fire engine turned up within a short time before it ran out of water.
“The fire was so fierce and our county fire engine ran out of water. We are delighted that it was able to respond very fast. It is the first fire incident we have been satisfied by the County response,” Joyce Kamene said.
Mavoko firefighters from the neighbouring Machakos County also responded on time and assisted put out the fire.
Locals say Kenya Power officials also responded promptly to disconnect electricity in the neighbouring buildings.
A mall which houses a university, private hospital and bank was also partly affected as the building windows broke.
