President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday directed Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to ensure full investigations are carried out to establish the cause of the fire that broke out on Thursday morning at Gikomba market.
In a statement issued to newsrooms, Uhuru stated: "The national Government and Nairobi County will sit together for a full review of our emergency services, and our disaster preparedness. We owe the victims, and the people of Nairobi, a clear, credible plan to end these fires.
The President expressed his sadness over the unfortunate incident that has so far seen 15 people lose their lives.
[caption caption="Scenes from the fire at Gikomba Market"]
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"This morning, we woke to the terrible news that a fire had broken out in Gikomba. In the hours since, the tragedy has deepened: Kenyans have lost loved ones; many victims, some of them young children, remain in critical condition in hospital.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and to their families," Uhuru mentioned.
Additionally, the Head of State noted: "Prayers will be followed by action: we will support victims and their families through this difficult time; we will fully investigate the cause of the fire, and we will work to make sure that no such tragedy recurs."
He also thanked St John Ambulance and other emergency services and response teams, as well as the hospitals which took in victims, chief among them the Kenyatta National Hospital.
"Your skill and speed saved lives this morning. Thank you. May God bless and keep the souls we have lost; may he hasten the recovery of the injured; and may He grant those whose loved ones have been touched by this tragedy the grace to endure," Uhuru concluded.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga also mourned the loss of the victims of the fire calling on the government to investigate its cause.
"My very sincere condolences to those who have lost friends and family in the Gikomba fire tragedy. I wish a quick recovery to those in hospital," Odinga stated.
[caption caption="Scenes from the fire at Gikomba Market"]
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