Nearly 30 families are counting losses and will spend the night in the cold in Majimbo village, Embu County, after a fire razed down their houses on Thursday evening.
In a phone interview with The Standard on Wednesday night, Embu West Sub-County police commander Julius Kyumbure said no injuries were reported.
He added that the police have launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire.
"There were 14 Structures but only seven were completely destroyed by the fire. So far no one has reported any injuries but we are investigating the incident," Kyumbure said.
Kamiu location chief Sammy Mugo appealed to well-wishers to assist the affected families who will spend the night at his office.
He also advised residents to take precautions while leaving their houses to ensure gas cylinders and power connections are safe.
Angry residents have accused the County Government of Embu's Fire Department of negligence. This was after the unit delayed responding to the incident which happened 300 metres away.
A resident Nephat Kawiti noted that the firefighters responded to the fire late and it took the efforts of Boda Boda riders and house owners to put out the fire before spreading further.
"I was in the house when my neighbour called screaming and to my surprise, the neighbouring houses were engulfed in a fire that spread very fast, when the firefighters were called, they came late and without water," said Phyllis Ngera.
Another resident Irene Njeri observed that it was a shame that families watched helplessly as houses went up in flames despite having a fire station just a few meters.
"I was at work as usual and on my way home at around 5:00 pm, I was told my house was on fire and I did not save anything," said an emotional Ben Muthoni as he appealed for help from well-wishers.
A form two student at Kamiu Secondary School Faith Ngatha said she had lost books, school uniform and everything only left a school uniform she was wearing before the fire incidence
Two months ago, Embu governor Cecily Mbarire interdicted some employees from the fire department for failing to respond to a fire incident where residents sought help from the neighbouring Kirinyaga County.
