This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
A fire broke out at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Kanyambo market, Maara, Tharaka Nithi, on Sunday, July 2, 2019, forcing Pastor Loyford Nkonge and his congregation to flee for their lives.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started while the pastor was still in the church, talking to members after the service, and choir members were practicing upstairs.
"The incident took us by surprise. We saw flames on the roof, but we could not help put out the fire because it spread very fast," said Kibaara Karambi, a witness.
Those who witnessed the incident suspected that the fire could have been caused by an electrical fault.
Fortunately, no one was killed in the incident, but Pastor Nkonge and an elderly female congregant sustained injuries, with the pastor suffering burns on the hand and the woman on the face.
They were taken to Chogoria Hospital for treatment.
