Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has broke his silence after his administration’s disaster emergency had to grapple with a series of fires in the city on Friday night.
Four people, including a child, died after fire broke out at Toi Market in Kibra in the wee hours of Saturday, August 3.
The victims were reportedly attempting to rescue their belongings when they were overpowered by the flames.
The blaze has had a devastating impact on the market, affecting around 2,000 traders who are now left to assess the extent of their losses.
The incident saw Governor Sakaja pelted with stones by angry traders as he visited the scene of fire later on Saturday afternoon.
Sakaja has, however, symphatised with the traders and sent deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
He pledged to support the families of the bereaved during this trying times, as well as help the traders rebuild and get back to their feet.
Sakaja’s full statement
Today, I visited traders affected by the tragic fire incidents at Toi Market and later at Umoja 2. Poleni sana to all affected and my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. It is with great sorrow that we report the loss of four lives in the Toi inferno.
We will extend our full support to their families during this trying time.To the traders, we assure you that we will rebuild and help you get back on your feet. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the first responders and all those who tried to salvage the situation.
Last night, we experienced a total of seven fires across the city, and we are committed to supporting all those affected. For those who caused incitement, let it be known that nothing will deter us from supporting our people.
Between 3:30 am and 5:30 am, five fires were responded to by the NCCG fire brigade at the following locations: 1. Kayole next to Naivas 2. Umoja II market sheds next to the Chief’s camp 3. Mathare 4A next to the Air Force4. Bondeni in Kibra 5. Toi Market.
The first call for Toi Market came in at 5:45 am, and the first engine arrived at 6:00 am but was intercepted by thugs who stole some equipment and water delivery hose pipes.
We mobilized other engines as well as the KDF, and by 7:00 am, four more engines were at the Toi site. However, the situation remained volatile, which prolonged efforts to control the fire.
As we battled the Toi fire, we received another call at Kibondeni Naivasha Road in Kawangware, and two additional engines were deployed there.
From yesterday evening until mid-morning today, we responded to seven fire incidents. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries except at Toi, which is deeply regrettable.
The NCCG will support all the affected communities in their efforts to rebuild. Investigations are underway to determine who set these fires, and we await their findings.
