Police officers remove the remains from the scene at Tuffoam slum in Athi River, Machakos County, on October 5, 2026. GEORGE OWITI
A one-year-old girl has died after a fire swept through several homes in the Tuffoam area of Athi River, Machakos County, early Monday morning.
The child was sleeping inside one of the houses when the fire broke out, according to police and eyewitnesses who spoke to the Star.
The blaze destroyed several mabati structures in the slum along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, leaving tens of families without homes.
The fire caused extensive destruction, with residents losing household goods and other property whose value was yet to be established.
Police officers from Athi River Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations responded to the scene and joined members of the public in rescue efforts.
The fire had engulfed part of the settlement before it was contained with the help of the Machakos County Government fire brigade and residents.
The intervention prevented the flames from spreading to neighbouring structures.
Police processed and documented the scene before removing the charred remains of the child to the mortuary.
Machakos County Government officials visited the area to assess the extent of the damage and offer support to the affected families.
Plans were also underway to arrange temporary shelter for those who lost their homes in the fire.
The officials conciliated with the bereaved family and appealed for calm as investigations into the incident continued.
"We condole deeply with the bereaved family, appeal for calm as investigations continue, and assure everyone that we will stand with the affected families. May the little angel rest in eternal peace," a county official said.
Police said the cause of the fire had not yet been established and confirmed that investigations had been launched.
One of the victims said she lost all her belongings in the blaze.
"I'm a single mother of three. I have lost all my belonging to the fire since it broke out when I was away at work. My children were in school. We are, however, thankful to be alive," she said.
