Business people in Kapenguria town are counting huge losses after four vehicles and property worth thousands of shillings were reduced to ashes after a fire gutted premises at Kapenguria Stage on Monday night. The fire burnt three County government vehicles and one from the national government offices.
Efforts by residents who turned up in big numbers to put out the fire bore no fruits as they lacked sufficient water to put off the fire. Business premises including M-Pesa shops, hotels, food kiosks, salons, and retail shops were destroyed.
The fire brigade managed to put out the fire although it wasn’t easy. A victim, Eliza Cherop, said they were woken up by residents only to find the fire was razing their shops. “We were all sleeping when we heard
She said the residents tried putting out the fire using water and even soil but were unable to save anything from the houses.
Nominated Member of County Assembly Elijah Kaseuseu urged the County government to ensure that there is a fire engine in Kapenguria town so that the response to emergencies around the town and its environs can be quick. He called on the County and national governments to help the affected people.
West Pokot Sub County Police commander