The family of five who died in a fire incident in Makina, Kibera constituency, have been laid to rest in Emhuhaya, Vihiga County.
Ernest Ombima, 36, and his wife, Flora Ambani, 33, were buried alongside their three children, Getrude Amisi (9), Silas Omboko (3), and Stephen Mukuna (2) on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Recounting her memory, Ombima’s mother, Dina Ombima, stated that she received a call about the tragedy from one of his sons, Francis Nganyi.
“I received a call from my son (Francis Nganyi) saying Ernest Ombima and Flora Ambani are not picking up calls. I was shocked and cried. I asked him to visit the Kenyatta National Hospital Mortuary. He found them all dead; these hurt me so much,” she stated.
Further, both mothers of the deceased have called upon the government to offer support to them as they mourn their children.
“Jameni serikali huyo mtoto ndio usaidizi wangu. Kila Kitu. Sina shamba, sina chochote. Nilifikiria ya kwamba hawa watoto wangu wataweza kuninunulia shamba, kunilisha, na nimebaki pekee yangu.
“Serikali, nakuomba upige mapu kwa boma yangu, kwa sababu makaburi yamemaliza shamba langu. Mimi ni mama mjane niliwachwa 1995.”
Loosely interpreted as:
“Please, government, my late son was my support system. I have nothing left. I hoped my children would buy me land and feed me. I have been left all alone. Please, government, help my homestead, as the graves have taken up the little piece of land I had. I have been a widow since 1995,” Ombima’s mother pleaded.
‘Tangu tgarehe ishirini na nne, nilipopata ujumbe wa ajali ya Watoto wangu. Sijapata msaada wowote; sitambuliki.”
Loosely interpreted as:
“Since I received the news of my children’s demise, I have not received any help,” Ambani’s mother, Judith Ambale, pleaded.
The fire incident
The five were among the eight people who had died following a devastating fire that broke out on May 23, 2025.
Confirming the incident, Kibera Member of Parliament Peter Orero stated that six others were injured in the inferno.
Police said at least 20 others were left with serious injuries. Of these, seven were dire and were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital.
The cause of the fire is yet to be established. The incident happened at about 5 am as the victims were asleep.
Kilimani police boss Patricia Yegon said. “Eight people died while seven others are in the hospital with serious burns. We are investigating the cause of the fire.”
