Sakaja pledges steadfast support to fire victims

Nairobi Governor came out to pledge his support for victims of the Toi Market fire accident saying that no intimidation will deter his determination to assist those in need following the devastating fire accident that left four people dead and property destroyed.

Speaking after a nasty incident where suspected paid goons heckled him and his entourage, pelting them with stones in Kibera, Sakaja said that nothing will stop the county leadership from supporting its people.

The county boss noted that indeed, his team had intelligence that a controversial Nairobi MP had paid up rowdy youths to disrupt his visit to the affected residents but nonetheless decided to visit them and console with them saying that his administration can never run away from the people and that those who paid the hecklers must understand that he will support the traders and the bereaved families at all costs.

“I was aware that the ground was hostile before we went and that some few people had been mobilized to heckle us and disrupt my visit to Toi Market. There were even plans to burn our fire engines, however, leaders show up. We never run away from our people no matter what. We will still support the traders to get back to their feet,” Sakaja said after the melee.

“For those who caused incitement, it is well, nothing will stop us from supporting our people,” the Governor asserted.

His statement came shortly after he was heckled at Toi Market in Kibra.

In his statement on Saturday, Sakaja condoled with the affected and families of those who passed away in the fire.

Four people were reported to be burnt beyond recognition following a fire that razed down Toi market.

A child was among the four. The victims were attempting to save their belongings when they were overpowered by the flames.

The blaze affected at least 2,000 traders, leaving many counting their losses. Sakaja said they would support their families and help rebuild Toi Market.

“We will support their families during this trying time. For the traders, we will rebuild and help you get back to your feet,” he said.

Sakaja regretted that on Friday alone, Nairobi had suffered fire accidents in various areas among them Toi Market which resulted to loss of lives and livelihoods.

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.