Sorrow as Nairobi Man, His Wife, and 3 Children Die in Kibera Fire Tragedy
- A devastating fire in Kibera has claimed the lives of a young family of five, sparking national grief and outrage
- The victims — a father, mother, and their three children, had moved to Nairobi from Emuhaya in search of a better life
- In the wake of the tragedy, Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba has called for justice, safer housing, and improved emergency response systems
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Tragedy has struck the heart of both Kibera and Emuhaya constituency following the death of a young family of five in a devastating fire that ripped through the Makina area of Kibera in the early hours of Saturday, May 24.
Source: Facebook
The deceased have been identified as Ernest Ombima, his wife, Flora Ambani, and their three children: nine-year-old Getrude Amisi, three-year-old Silas Omboko, and toddler Stephen Ayimbo.
Why Vihiga family was in Nairobi
The family originally hailed from Esirulo village in Emuhaya constituency, Vihiga county, and had relocated to Nairobi in search of a better life.
An emotional statement by Emuhaya Member of Parliament Omboko Milemba confirmed the incident and expressed deep grief over the loss.
“It is with a heart drenched in sorrow that I bring you the most devastating news a leader could ever deliver,” Milemba stated.
He described the victims in moving detail — Ernest as a hardworking father, Flora as a quiet and kind homemaker, and the children as bright and full of promise.
Family's tragic last moments before death
Their lives were tragically cut short when fire engulfed their home in the predawn hours, leaving them with no chance of escape.
“Imagine them in those final moments — Ernest, trying to shield his family from the flames. Flora, clinging to her children, whispering prayers. The children, crying out in fear, hoping someone would come. But no one came in time,” Milemba lamented.
The lawmaker emphasised that this was not just a personal loss for one village or constituency, but a national tragedy.
He underscored the urgent need for safer housing, quicker emergency responses, and policies that uphold the dignity of every Kenyan life, regardless of economic status.
Calls for disaster preparedness
Milemba assured the public that efforts are underway to transport the remains of the family back to Emuhaya for a dignified burial.
He also pledged support to the bereaved extended family, stating, “We will not let them carry this grief alone.”
The Kibera fire incident has sparked fresh calls for reforms in disaster preparedness, especially in informal settlements where residents remain highly vulnerable to such calamities.
“May their memory haunt our conscience until we build a country that protects its people,” the MP concluded.
Candlelight vigils and prayer services are expected in both Kibera and Emuhaya in the coming days, as the nation unites to honour the lives lost.
May Ernest, Flora, Getrude, Silas, and Stephen rest in eternal peace.
Source: Facebook
Eyewitnesses' account of Kibera fire
Kibera locals who witnessed the Saturday dawn inferno have opened up on the horrific scenes that played out when the tragedy happened.
"The fire started at around 4 and 5am. I woke up at around 5am, and I found that two houses had already burnt to ashes. Forty houses were razed down during the fire tragedy. I plead with the government to come help us. Many familius have been affected and many others died," a Kibera woman told TV47.
She apportioned blame for the scale of the tragedy to the Nairobi fire department, which she claimed went to the scene unprepared to extinguish the fire.
"When they came here, they did not have water. They claimed they had come here first to see what had happened. They then went back and returned with little water. It was terrible," she added.
Another local echoed the same sentiments, saying the fire department did not go promptly, and only the young men in the area helped to put out the fire when it first broke out at 4.30 am.
"They did not come here as fast as they should have. The young men are the ones who helped us," she said.
How many people died in Kibera fire?
Statistics indicate that eight people were killed in the devastating morning fire in Kibera on Saturday, May 24.
Kenya Red Cross senior communication officer Munir Ahmed told TUKO.co.ke that at least 20 people were injured in the blaze.
Ahmed added that the organisation was actively working to support those affected by providing counselling services.
Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, added details of the eyewitnesses' accounts to this report.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
