Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has faulted the Nairobi County Government for being slugging in responding to the Toi Market fire incident.
In a statement on Saturday, August 8, 2024, Babu said it took the county government hours to respond to the fire incident which started in the wee hours on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
“Leadership is about service and availability to our people when they need us most. Visited the people of Toi Market Kibra constituency following the unfortunate fire that killed four people and destroyed businesses,” Babu stated.
“I am disappointed by the weak response by the County Govt of Nairobi. The fire response service took over 8 hours to arrive on the scene after the worst was over. Nairobians continue to pay a heavy price for the incompetence of the current leadership that prioritizes taxing cats to saving lives!”
Babu called on the county government and Governor Johnson Sakaja to compensate traders who had lost property and goods in the Saturday fire.
“Today together with the area Member of Parliament Hon.Orero, we visited Toi Market in Kibra Constituency after fire razed down their property. Four People lost their lives while trying to put out fire. Several Traders lost their goods worth millions of shillings under the watch of the sleeping county Government of Nairobi which failed to intervene on time. Sakaja should use the disaster management fund to compensate those who lost their property,” Babu added.
Sakaja attacked at Toi market
On Saturday, Sakaja was chased away from the Toi market by traders who expressed dissatisfaction with the way the county government responded to the disaster.
In a statement after the attack, Sakaja blamed unnamed people for the incitement that saw him get a hostile reception at Toi Market.
“Visited traders affected by fire incidents at Toi Market and later at Umoja 2. Poleni sana to all affected and condolences to the bereaved. Sadly, we lost 4 souls in the Toi inferno. We will support their families during this trying time. For the traders, we will rebuild and help you get back to your feet,” Sakaja stated.
“Thanks to the first responders and all who tried to help salvage the situation. We had a total of 7 fires across the city last night, and all affected will get support. For those who caused incitement, it is well, nothing will stop us from supporting our people.”
According to Toi Market chair Kenneth Jumba, the fire that he says was started intentionally, affected at least 2,000 traders.
“We have never received the report on what caused the fire that we experienced last year. We are used to them,” Kenneth said.
Sifuna on Toi market incident
Speaking after the fire incident, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna called for compensation of traders at the Toi market who are counting their losses.
Sifuna promised that the leadership in Nairobi would not only help in the restoration of the affected businesses but also put an end to fires in markets across the county.
“We had another fire at Toi Market this morning. As the leadership in Nairobi, we stand with you and will do our best not only to help restore your businesses but to make sure we put an end to these incessant fires in our markets,” Sifuna said.
“I have spoken to area MP Peter Orero who confirms four people tragically lost their lives. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Toi family.”