- In his statement on Saturday, he 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.
Image: FILE
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has said nothing will stop the county leadership from supporting its people.
His statement came shortly after he was heckled at Toi Market in Kibra.
"For those who caused incitement, it is well, nothing will stop us from supporting our people," Sakaja said.
In his statement on Saturday, he 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 thanked the first responders and all who tried to help salvage the situation.
"From Friday evening until Saturday mid-morning, we responded to seven fire incidents. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries except at Toi, which is deeply regrettable," the Governor, who also visited Umoja 2, said.
"Between 3:30 am and 5:30 am, five fires were responded to by the NCCG fire brigade at the following locations: Kayole next to Naivas2, Umoja II market sheds next to the Chief's camp, Mathare next to the Air Force, Bondeni in Kibra and Toi Market. All affected will get support."
Sakaja said 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," Sakaja said.
"As we battled the Toi fire, Sakaja said they received another call at Kibondeni, Naivasha Road in Kawangware, and two additional engines were deployed there."
He said the NCCG will support all the affected communities in their efforts to rebuild as investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.
In an interview with the Star in February, Chief Officer for Trade, Markets and Cooperatives Godfrey Akumali revealed that the land at Toi market was contested.
"You must be aware that one of the major problems facing Toi Market is the land. The land is contested which means we are unable to start the project as soon as we wanted," he said.
Following the fire incident in June 2023, the Nairobi County Assembly passed a motion that was to compel the executive to construct a perimeter wall at Toi market in the current financial year 2023-24.
The Chief Officer highlighted that the county shall remove any illegal structures along Toi market boundaries so that they can be rebuilt.
Once that is complete, the county will erect a perimeter wall and access roads to the market.
"Remember last time when the fire happened there were complaints of access roads. We have done the four roads leading to Toi and ensure that the roads remain clear," Akumali added.
The rebuilding of the Toi market would, however, be done in phases to avoid displacing all traders at once.