A fire broke out on the night of January 6 at the staff quarters inside Meru Prison, leaving at least 14 families homeless. Local residents tried to extinguish the blaze using buckets and basins of water, but no firefighters arrived because the county's only fire engine was grounded due to lack of fuel. No casualties were reported, and authorities are investigating the cause, suspecting an electrical fault.
On the night of January 6, 2026, a fire erupted at the GK prison staff quarters inside Meru Prison, rapidly spreading through the wooden structures. The blaze began in the evening and consumed personal belongings and essential household items. At least 14 families were directly affected, left without shelter and losing items such as clothing, documents, and furniture.
Residents and officers fled as the flames intensified, with nearby locals quickly fetching water in buckets and basins to prevent further spread. However, the lack of professional firefighting equipment hampered their efforts. No firefighters responded to the scene, as the county's sole fire engine was reportedly out of service due to fuel shortages.
No official statements have been released by the county government, prison authorities, or emergency services about the incident. A police report confirmed no casualties or injuries, and investigations continue. Authorities suspect the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
Meru County has seen multiple fire incidents in 2025, including a blaze at Magunas Supermarket during nationwide protests on July 7, where three suspects were arrested for looting and arson. Another fire struck a building at Kibukona Market on October 15, with response delayed as firefighters were at a political rally. Deadlier events included a July 30 fire in Kiirua, Buuri, that killed a 67-year-old man, and a May blaze in Mutethis, Buuri, claiming the lives of two young girls aged two and four. Additionally, on September 25, an unidentified person torched a three-acre miraa farm in Kinisa Amati, causing substantial economic damage.
