Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s office in Upper Hill caught fire on August 8, prompting a swift response from Nairobi City County emergency teams.
Flames and thick smoke were visible from a section of the property, and sparks were seen around the affected area, raising speculation that an electrical fault could have caused the incident.
Footage shared by Sonko on his social media platforms captured frantic moments as occupants of the home reacted to the emergency.
In the video, voices can be heard expressing concern as flames engulfed part of the structure while emergency responders worked to contain the fire.
At one point in the recording, an individual is heard alerting others to the danger, saying that the house was on fire as residents and workers rushed to respond to the unfolding situation.
County firefighters arrived at the residence shortly after receiving the distress call and successfully extinguished the blaze. Sonko thanked the Nairobi County team led by the Chief Officer in charge of Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, stating that they acted swiftly to contain the fire.
“The devil is a liar! Just look at how much God loves us. Imagine, He woke us up! Mosiria, thank you so much, and to your entire team from Nairobi County. May God bless you abundantly,” Mike Sonko thanked the emergency response team.
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Nairobi County Emergency Responders
The Nairobi County fire response team had acted promptly following the alert from the former governor, enabling them to contain the fire easily, according to Mosiria,
Mosiria responded to Mike Sonko’s statement, assuring that the Nairobi County team put out the fire in good time and that all people were safe.
“When you called, I immediately contacted the fire team. They have responded, and they have put out the fire. At least now you are safe,” Mosiria said.
Mosiria commended Sonko for his role during his tenure as governor in strengthening the city’s emergency response infrastructure, adding that the Nairobi response team was at his service.
No casualties were reported, and authorities are yet to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the fire.
To show his appreciation to the team that had almost 17 members, Mike Sonko handed the team money as a token.
Members of the public reacting to the news have shared messages of encouragement to the former governor on the damages and losses that may be incurred due to the fire, citing his work in helping the less fortunate.
However, others called out the Nairobi emergency team, arguing that the team should show the same swiftness when responding to other fire outbreaks in the county, not only to people in power.
Fire Outbreaks in Nairobi
The incident comes amid a series of fire emergencies reported across Nairobi, including a fire at Ali Glaziers building along Third Street in Eastleigh North on August 7.
On August 3, a fire broke out on the first floor of Lotus House commercial building near Afya Center in Nairobi CBD.
Reports from the emergency respondents indicated that the responding team was able to save people trapped during the fire, with at least one person reportedly injured.
Also Read: Details Emerge of Horror Crash Where a Car Flew onto Mbagathi Way Footbridge and Caught Fire
Mike Sonko’s Contributions to Nairobi Emergency Response
During his tenure as Nairobi Governor between 2017 and 2020, Mike Sonko said he had spearheaded major reforms aimed at strengthening the city’s fire and emergency response systems.
His administration oversaw the acquisition of more than 30 fire engines and initiated the construction of key fire stations, including Waithaka, Kangundo Road, and Ruaraka, as part of a plan to decentralize emergency services across all 17 sub-counties.
Additionally, his government recruited about 200 firefighters, deployed disaster management officers countywide, and invested in an emergency preparedness program.
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