A fierce fire burnt down goods worth millions at Mutindwa Market in Buru Buru, Nairobi County on Wednesday morning, June 14, leaving traders stranded.
Esther Passaris, the Nairobi Woman Representative, was one of the first leaders to urge the relevant authorities to take action and stem the increasing occurrences of fire tragedies.
Subsequently, Mark Mwenje, the Embakasi West MP, observed that the fire broke out at approximately 2 am, swiftly razing structures and goods.
"We have barely dealt with Toi Market, and now this? It is time to crack the whip on arsonists. Governor Johnson Sakaja, let us empower market leaders and traders on preparedness," Passaris urged.
She also called upon Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria to help the traders get back on their feet after losing their livelihood.
Locals at the scene complained that firefighters and other emergency personnel were slow in responding to the emergency, which exercabated their losses even further.
"It started with Toi Market and now it is Mutindwa Market, what is causing this fire? What is the county government planning?" an irritated resident questioned.
Others lamented that the tragedy was contrary to a promise made by Governor Sakaja, who assured Nairobi residents that his administration will resolve the fire incidents.
Sakaja had promised to decentralise firefighters and purchase more fire engine trucks. The governor made this pledge while responding to another fire that burned down goods and stalls at Toi Market along Ngong Road.
While visiting the ruins on Sunday, June 11, Sakaja promised to rebuild the market and ensure the county government provides support to the affected traders, assisting them in recovering from the devastating incident.
"We have assessed the damage and we will help you rebuild. The county government is going to rebuild the market with more space for emergency vehicles to access the market in case of such emergencies," the governor stated.
The county boss also donated essential supplies such as foodstuffs and other household items to the traders who were most severely impacted by the fire.
"I want to assure you that my administration will investigate the incident to ascertain the cause and come up with long-term solutions," Sakaja vowed.
