Residents and firefighters have finally managed to put out a fire that broke out at the Katani Villas Estate, situated along Katani Road, and disrupted the quiet Thursday evening of September 4. Firefighters at the scene of the fire. In heartbreaking videos shared on X by Edward Odero, screaming residents are seen running helter-skelter, with some trying to save their lives as the fire had spread to multiple houses. Some were trying to remove items such as gas cylinders, which could have caused further damage.
Some people attempted to pull heavy hoses together to extinguish the fire that had reached the roofs of many houses before the firemen eventually arrived to help. As the tongues of fire spread very fast, going from house to house, eventually most families found themselves homeless and losing valuable properties in the blink of an eye. Katani Villas during better days. How much do the Katani Villa houses cost? A Facebook post by Katani Villas Ltd indicates that the houses are five-bedroomed DSQ ultra-modern townhouses that are designed with the highest-end quality finishes. The estate is a serene gated community found on Katani Road, 3 km from Mombasa Road, Syokimau. Each of the houses sells at KSh 18 million, and the estate is touted as giving the residents modern and luxurious housing in a serene and gated community with well-manicured gardens, swimming pool, and other amenities. It is, therefore, a great loss to the people who are affected by the fire.
“A fire broke out this evening at Katani Villas along Katani Road, Syokimau, at approximately 1944hrs. The County Givernemnt of Machakos fire team, with support from residents, have successfully managed to extinguish the fire,” shared Edward Odero on X. How did Kenyans react to the Katani fire? Sarah Kimani: “Huge fire at Katani Villas, Syokimau. We need assistance to put it out. Just one fire engine on site.” JOloo #SafetyFirst: “Firefighters from Mavoko Sub-County put in a good attempt to put out the fire at Katani Villas, Katani Rd in Syokimau this evening.” Lynn John: “Mimi since tuchomekewe nikiona kwa macho sitaki kusikia tena story ya moto!” Godfrey Simiyu: “Sorry to the affected families and friends.” MarciaCordova: “Hope everyone’s safe. Tragic when fires hit residential areas. Markets might react to this, but people’s safety comes first.”
By Susan Mwenesi
