Modern Pacific Furniture is facing yet another devastating setback after a massive fire broke out today at its Kimbo branch in Ruiru, Kiambu County, razing down property worth millions and leaving the business community in disbelief.
The Outbreak of the Fire
According to witnesses, the blaze erupted in the morning hours, quickly spreading through the showroom and storage areas. Thick plumes of smoke rose into the sky as traders and residents watched helplessly, many trying to salvage what little they could. Firefighters responded promptly, but despite their efforts, most of the property inside was destroyed. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
This tragedy comes only months after Modern Pacific suffered another inferno at its Ruiru branch in December 2024, an incident that crippled the company’s operations and inflicted heavy financial losses. For the owner, businessman Gibson Murage Gitonga, today’s fire feels like lightning striking twice, erasing years of investment and pushing the enterprise into yet another painful recovery process.
Lingering Shadows from the First Blaze
The Ruiru fire had already left behind unanswered questions, particularly over the mysterious disappearance of employee Joseph Muhia, who was last seen on duty that day and has never been traced. His family continues to demand justice and answers. With the Kimbo fire now compounding the company’s woes, speculation is rising over whether these disasters are coincidental or if there are deeper issues that authorities must urgently investigate.
Shock and Outrage
The fresh inferno has sparked anger among residents, business people, and rights groups, many of whom argue that fire tragedies of this scale cannot be ignored or brushed aside. Calls are mounting for the government, investigative agencies, and the company itself to establish the cause of the repeated fires and put in place stronger safety measures to protect both workers and the community.
A Business at a Crossroads
For Modern Pacific, the back-to-back tragedies mark a critical moment. While the company has been known for its quality furniture and widespread customer base, its survival now depends on how quickly it can recover, reassure its clients, and rebuild public trust. For the families connected to the company, especially that of missing employee Joseph Muhia, the scars from both fires remain fresh and painful.
Today’s Kimbo fire is not just a business misfortune—it is a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of enterprises, the importance of safety, and the heavy toll such disasters leave behind. As investigations begin, all eyes remain on Modern Pacific and the authorities to provide answers, accountability, and a way forward for a community that has now witnessed two tragedies too many.
