HUNDREDS of people were yesterday left homeless after their homes were gutted by a fire in Athi River. The fire is said to have emanated from a couple's house at 6.30am. The couple are said to have been fighting when a lit paraffin stove fell on their bed. Witnesses said they continued to fight as the fire spread.

Some residents were still asleep. Athi River police boss Beatrice Kiraguri ordered the arrest of the couple. "The two are recording statements as we try  to establish the cause of the fire. I am only happy that this happened when most of the people had woken up, otherwise many people would be dead," said Kiraguri.

Mavoko MP Patrick Makau was among the first people to arrive at the scene after firefighters from Mavoko County Council and EPZA put out the fire at 8pm. Makau donated food to the affected families and promised to solicit for blankets and canvasses. Area chief Joel Mula Mukwa, who helped in the distribution of the donated food, said 50 houses and about 200 people were affected by the morning inferno. Mukwa said the cost of the property destroyed by the fire had not been established because some houses burnt down when their owners were away.

"We salvaged a few things before the fire grew intense, I sympathise with those who were away because they have lost everything to the fire."