Malindi burns again, once more in one of its “cursed” areas, now an unlucky corner and symbol of former tourist splendor which, at least in that area, will be difficult to revive in a short time, while the town is busy improving its appeal.
A double fire, last night and the night before, reduced to ashes a large part of the two residential structures still active in the Coral Key group, the well-known resort that has been abandoned for some time.
Key Park and Harbour Key caught fire, which is nothing new for the two condominiums just a stone's throw from the ocean. They had already burned down, along with part of the Oasis residence, in 2024 and had also suffered damage three years earlier. In this case, some of the structures belonging to compatriots and others that had been rebuilt used tile roofs, but some did not want to give up the ‘African dream’, the beauty, coolness (and savings) of makuti, the highly flammable roof made of dried palm leaves, especially when there is wind and nearby plants.
Apparently, two other residential compounds in the area, Marina Yachting and Key Park 2, which had not previously suffered damage, were also affected.
The causes of the fire are still to be determined, but statistics often show that they are due to electrical faults or the incompetence of gardeners burning brushwood, although in this case someone has already suggested the possibility of arson.