Some 12 children were safely evacuated from a raging fire at the Jomo Kenyatta Home for the physically disabled in Embu. The inferno, which reduced down property worth millions of shillings to ashes consumed a dormitory and a kitchen at the institution.
Established in 1965 in Kirimari Ward, Manyatta Constituency, the school is a sanctuary for children with various disabilities. The flames have left the community in shock as calls for a proper fire department in Embu grow louder.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire broke out in the wee hours of the morning, swiftly engulfing key sections of the school. Luckily all 12 who were in school were evacuated to safety.
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Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Nicholas Pera confirmed the incident terming it unfortunate.
“The fire had spread in many parts of this institution when we arrived after receiving the information. Unfortunately, in our county, we have no functional firefighting equipment so we had to call the county government of Tharaka Nithi to put out the fire,” said Pera.
Residents and police officers are urging the county administration to expedite the establishment of a fully functional fire department.
This plea echoes the sentiment of many, especially after two county officials were dismissed earlier this year by Governor Cecily Mbarire for perceived laxity in addressing such critical issues. Despite these firings, the promised improvements have yet to materialize, leaving the community vulnerable.
By Brian Kaleti
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