Dj VnyashA fire of unknown origin has caused extensive damage at the Modern Furniture Pacific shop in Ruiru, Kiambu County, destroying property worth an undetermined amount.
Witnesses reported that the blaze started on Wednesday, December 18, at approximately 7 a.m., inside the store. The fire quickly spread, consuming multiple sections of the shop and destroying several pieces of furniture.
Residents in the area made an initial attempt to extinguish the flames, but the fire intensified, engulfing other parts of the store and rendering their efforts futile.
Videos and images shared by Kenyans.co.ke show the building engulfed in flames, with residents watching from a safe distance. Firefighters from Kiambu County later arrived and managed to put out the fire, although a large portion of the shop, including most of its furniture, had already been destroyed.
The store is owned by Gibson Murage Gitonga, a prominent businessman with several furniture outlets across the country, including one in Nakuru. Murage previously operated his business in Nyeri before relocating to Kiambu County, where he launched the Ruiru branch in January this year. The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with police officers assessing the scene.
This tragedy follows another fire incident just a day earlier in Mlolongo, Machakos County, where a blaze at a guest house claimed one life and destroyed 12 guest rooms and a nearby store. Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti expressed her condolences, commending firefighters for their swift response, which prevented further loss of life and property.
Silverio Omari
