Following the tragic fire incident in Kibra Constituency that claimed the lives of eight people and left 20 others injured last weekend, families of the victims are now calling for urgent government intervention.

Speaking to TV47 Digital at the City Mortuary on Thursday, May 29 morning, grieving families expressed their frustration and pain, pleading with the National Government to offer more support after losing their homes, children, and breadwinners.

The Saturday, May 24 fire, which tore through parts of the densely populated Makina area, left approximately 40 families homeless and struggling to recover.

Some of the deceased bodies were burned beyond recognition, making it difficult for families to identify their loved ones. As a result, government officials have initiated autopsies and DNA testing to establish the identities of the victims.

Authorities have informed families that they may have to wait for up to a month for the DNA results, which has only deepened their grief and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, those who sustained injuries during the fire are currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta Hospital. Their relatives, many of whom were also displaced by the fire, are now urging the government to assist with medical bills and transportation costs.

President William Ruto on Sunday, May 25, pledged that his government will offer full support to the fire victims. Speaking during a church service at AIC Kibra, Ruto promised that no one will be left behind.

Although the Nairobi County Government has equally stepped in to provide food supplies and a limited amount of financial support, the victims argue that the assistance is insufficient.

The current aid, the families’ say, does not cover critical needs such as hospital expenses, mortuary fees, and transport costs for affected families.

With no stable sources of income and having lost everything in the blaze, these families are unable to cater to the growing financial burden.

One of the victims, identified as Francis, told TV47 Digital that he had to provide his DNA sample to help identify the remains of his loved one. He also emphasized the urgency of receiving the results, stating that many families are desperate for closure and support during this painful time.