BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Traders in Shauri area, Embu County, are reeling from massive losses after a mysterious fire razed several business premises on Monday night, destroying property worth millions of shillings.
By Tuesday morning, affected traders were surveying the ruins and demanding swift investigations, citing a worrying rise in unexplained fires in the area. Many urged authorities to establish the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
NOTE: ARISE MEDIA is now on WhatsApp Channels! CLICK this link to JOIN and read the news in your favourite messenger.
“I personally lost property worth about Sh2.6 million. It is devastating to see years of hard work reduced to ashes,” said trader Geoffrey Njeru.
Some business owners suspect foul play, alleging the blaze may have been deliberately set as a tactic to intimidate traders and illegally grab land. They called on security agencies to probe the incident thoroughly.
Muturi Njoroge, secretary of the Shauri United Juakali Association, said the fire destroyed 15 timber machines, each valued at over Sh500,000. He also faulted the county fire brigade for a delayed and ill-equipped response.
“The fire brigade arrived late and with insufficient water. The flames spread uncontrollably. A faster and better-prepared response could have saved many businesses,” Njoroge said.
Victims whose shops were completely destroyed have appealed to the Embu County Government for financial and logistical support to help them restart their businesses.
By the time of publication, authorities had not issued an official statement on the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage.
What’s happening near you? Send us the story via
news@arisemediagroup.co.ke or WhatsApp 0750456085
Book Advert-use above contacts
98