Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faced a hostile reception on Saturday afternoon when he visited Toi market in the wake of a devastating early morning fire. The blaze, which erupted at dawn, claimed four lives and left numerous traders grappling with substantial losses. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the aftermath has sparked widespread anger among the affected traders.
In a video circulating online, Governor Sakaja is seen surrounded by his bodyguards, forming a protective barrier as stones were hurled in his direction. The intensity of the stone-throwing forced the security team to fire shots into the air to disperse the irate crowd, underscoring the severity of the traders’ frustration and disillusionment.
The root of the traders’ anger lies in the perceived inaction and unfulfilled promises by Governor Sakaja. Many traders recalled a similar visit by the Governor last year when another fire ravaged the market. During that visit, Sakaja reportedly made numerous promises to repair and upgrade the market infrastructure, promises that the traders claim were never honored.
“We are tired of empty promises,” one trader lamented to Citizen Digital. “Governor Sakaja came here last year, said he would fix everything, and nothing has been done. Now we are back to square one, with more lives lost and more of our livelihoods destroyed.”
The traders also voiced their frustration over the slow response time of the county fire department. Several traders argued that a quicker response could have mitigated the fire’s damage and potentially saved lives. “The fire response team arrived too late,” another trader said. “If they had come earlier, maybe this tragedy could have been avoided.”
Kibera Member of Parliament Peter Orero and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino visited the market earlier in the day and engaged with the traders, listening to their grievances and promising to advocate for swift action. Their visit, however, did little to quell the simmering anger that greeted Governor Sakaja.
The scene at Toi market was a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nairobi’s informal sector, where traders are frequently at the mercy of inadequate infrastructure and slow government response. The market, known for its vibrant trade in second-hand goods, has been a lifeline for many low-income earners in the city. Yet, recurrent fires have exposed the vulnerabilities and lack of proper support systems for these traders.
Governor Sakaja, addressing the media after the incident, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to investigate the cause of the fire thoroughly. He also reiterated his commitment to rebuilding the market and improving fire response mechanisms. “We understand the pain and frustration of the traders,” Sakaja said. “We will ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future, and we will hold accountable those responsible for any lapses in response.”
Despite his assurances, the traders’ trust in the county administration appears to be at an all-time low. The incident at Toi market highlights the urgent need for Nairobi’s leadership to not only address immediate concerns but also to build a robust framework that ensures the safety and prosperity of its informal sector traders.
As the dust settles on this latest tragedy, the affected traders hope that this time, the promises made will translate into tangible actions that safeguard their businesses and lives against future calamities.
