A fire outbreak in Nyeri County's Waka area on May 30, 2022, destroyed property valued at Ksh50 million, according to local reports. The blaze began when a chef prepared mandazi early in the morning, rapidly spreading to adjacent structures.
Residents Accuse Firefighters of Negligence ¶
Local residents alleged that Nyeri County Fire and Rescue Services arrived late and attempted to leave the scene after requesting a water refill. Tensions escalated when firefighters were injured during confrontations with angry locals, who criticized their response time.
Fire Department Defends Actions ¶
A statement from the fire service claimed personnel faced threats from residents, forcing them to retreat. "We were called to help but the residents could not let us do the job. A fire engine cannot stay without water, but we cannot work where the public is hindering our safety," the statement said.
Historical Context of Fire Response Issues ¶
This incident echoes past conflicts between firefighters and communities. In February 2020, Nakuru residents chased away a county fire response vehicle after it arrived late at a fire. Five years earlier, similar tensions led to the destruction of a fire engine in Nakuru following a protest at Salgaa blackspot.
