Nairobi county has formed a team of investigators to probe the Kijiji slum fire that left six people dead and more than 6,000 homeless.
The team comprising of land officials and detectives is seeking to unearth the cause of the fire amid claims of land grabbing.
There are claims the fire was started by arsonists in a bid to force residents out so the land is acquired. Residents said they had received several notices issued by unknown people.
But governor Mike Sonko has assured people who lost their homes that they will be resettled on the same land.
Nairobi’s security and compliance executive Tito Kilonzi said they will enforce Sonko’s directive to resettle the victims on the contested land.
“I have not received a brief from the investigators so claims that the land has been grabbed are neither here nor there. The governor has assured families that the land belongs to them and that they will be resettled there,” Kilonzi said on Tuesday. “We are investigating to find out whether it was an act of arson or a misadventure.”
But National Land Commission chairman Mohamed Swazuri said he has not been involved in investigations on the fire.
Meanwhile, victims of the fire in Lang’ata are being resettled. The county and national governments are setting up temporary shelters Ngei Primary School where humanitarian support is also being offered.
Deputy president William Ruto said Sh70 million will be set aside to resettle the people.
