A Deadly Fire Hit Nairobi, and Kenyans are Rightfully Angered by The Government's Lack of Response
A deadly fire swept through Nairobi's Langata neighborhood last night, and the lack of adequate relief efforts have angered Kenyans.
A deadly fire swept through a neighborhood in Nairobi last night, killing at least four and displacing around 6,000 reports Africa News.
Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire, but many Kenyans are expressing dissatisfaction with the emergency response. The general belief amongst many, is that the immense devastation cause by the fire could have been prevented if it were not for the lack of inefficiency on the part of the fire department.
According to MP Nixon Korir, fire trucks arrived on the scene on time but, they arrived without water. "The response time was quick but unfortunately the fire fighting engines didn't have water. We can have the best equipment but without water there is nothing we can do," said the MP.
The response angered many Kenyans, who recalled instances of authorities using water against protesters on several other occasions, but it seems that water was no where to be found when it was most needed.
In October of last year, the mayor of Langata, Mike Sonko, announced the addition of 24 new fire trucks to help improve emergency response to fires in the area. However according to a report from BBC Africa, only four trucks were dispersed during last night's inferno. As a result, folks are rightfully questioning where the government's priorities truly lie.
William Ruto, Kenya's Deputy President has promised to spend up to $490,000 to help victims of the fire. Though this does not seem to be quelling folks' concerns about the government's inefficiency in dealing with the matter.
