President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for swift and thorough investigations to establish the cause of the fire that destroyed Nairobi’s biggest market, Gikomba.
He said stern action would be taken against anyone found to be behind the incident. “Security agencies should move with speed to investigate the cause of the fire, and those believed to be behind the criminal act should face the full force of the law,” said President Kenyatta.
He said the government stands with all the traders who lost property because of the fire. He said the market will be rebuilt so that traders can start their business as soon as possible. “The government will stand with the affected traders by building the market to enable them continue with their business,” said the President.
President Kenyatta, who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, spoke at Maua Stadium, Meru County.
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This came as the government said preliminary reports point to foul play in the fire that razed business structures at the open air market.
Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri said a probe had been initiated and warned that action would be taken against any culpable individual, Capital FM News reports.
“From the initial reports that we are getting, we are saddened that they appear to point at foul play. The government has set in motion investigations into the cause of the fire to fully establish what caused it.”
He further assured that the government will take action to ensure the incident does not recur by putting up permanent structures and ensuring there are access roads within the market.
SEE: Section of Gikomba market burns down
“I would like to assure the affected traders that we will not abandon them. The National Government in collaboration with the County Government will explore ways of ensuring that businesses in this very important market for such a big section of the city’s population are protected against such disasters,” he stated.
The military joined in fighting the fire that was still raging by Friday afternoon.
“I would like to say sorry to all the traders who have been affected by this incident. We are also thanking God that there are no casualties. Our fire fighters are working hard to put out the fire. KDF and G4S are here and we are trying to contain the fire. At the moment we have not know what is the cause of the fire but we are suspecting foul play,” Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said at the scene.
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