Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced that two people died following the massive fire that swept through Gikomba Market on Sunday morning.
In a statement, Governor Sakaja said the victims of the inferno, an adult man and an adult woman, had not yet been formally identified.
He noted that emergency teams are working to establish the identities of the two victims and contact their families.
“A devastating early morning fire tore through the market, destroying the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking traders who form the backbone of our city’s economy.
“Tragically, this fire cost lives. It is with profound grief that I confirm two fatalities: one adult male and one adult female. At this hour, the victims are yet to be formally identified. Our emergency teams are working urgently to establish their identities and reach out to their families,” said Sakaja.
The Nairobi governor expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them of the county government’s support during the difficult period.
Governor Sakaja noted that several other residents who sustained minor injuries received prompt on-scene treatment from our county ambulance personnel and the Kenya Red Cross.
The Nairobi County boss also revealed that four firefighters were injured while battling the inferno under difficult conditions.
“I want to commend the bravery of our firefighters who fought back the flames under extreme pressure. Sadly, four of our gallant crew members were injured in the line of duty,” he stated.
Further, Sakaja condemned attacks on emergency responders, saying a National Youth Service (NYS) fire engine was stoned and prevented from accessing the scene by a group of rowdy youth, hampering efforts to contain the blaze in its early stages.
Despite the challenges, he noted that emergency teams managed to contain the fire after deploying additional water bowsers from the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company to support firefighting operations.
Sakaja assured the Gikomba traders that the county government would not allow anyone to take advantage of the tragedy to displace them from their business spaces.
He further disclosed that he had already engaged the 32 chairpersons representing different sections of the market, as well as local administrators and elected leaders, as authorities begin assessing the extent of the damage.
“To the Gikomba business community, your pain is our pain. I am in contact with all 32 Chairmen of the different sections, as well as the area County Commissioner, Member of Parliament, and MCA. We are conducting an enumeration and are working on urgent remedial interventions, of which you will be informed,” said Sakaja.
