Van Donated By Athanas Mbele Foundation To Aid Taita Taveta Community Burnt Down
Residents of Taita Taveta have suffered a terrible blow after a van donated to them by the Athanas Mbele Foundation was burnt by unknown people.
Information reaching KOM.co.ke newsdesk intimate that the van, popularly known as the “Black Ant,” was burnt beyond recognition while parked in a garage on the night of Saturday, September28.
The Black Ant, a vital part of community rescue and emergency services, had recently transported a critically ill patient to Mombasa for kidney dialysis following a long delay caused by a doctors’ strike.
Residents of Taita Taveta hissed to this writer that the vehicle has played a crucial role in the locality, having assisted with medical emergencies, funerals, and various community events.
The devastating incident unfolded after the vehicle had been parked in the garage for about five days as it underwent repairs before resuming its duties.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was not electrical, as there were no nearby cables.
The blaze started on the ground behind the garage, where old tires had been dumped, and it appears someone may have accessed the area through an opening behind a tank.
“It’s is sad the van was taken for routine service and only one of the six vans in the garage got burnt. However, DCI are probing the cause of fire but there is suspicion that the incident is politically inspired.” Athanas Mbele, the patron of the Athanas Mbele Foundation disclosed.
The fire ignited at the back wheel of the van but fortunately, the garage store and five other vehicles nearby were not affected, and there were no casualties reported.
Sources from Taita Taveta disclosed that the watchman manning the garage was on the opposite side of the compound when the fire broke out.
Sleuths from the DCI visited the scene, took forensic photos, and gathered evidence to assist in further investigation.
The Athanas Mbele Foundation, which donated the vehicle, is known for its many community-driven initiatives, including street lighting, school feeding programs, charity efforts like building homes for the less fortunate, donating study materials and sanitary towels, as well as youth empowerment programs and job creation projects in Taita Taveta.
More photos showing the damages:
