Raila arrived at Toi Market flanked by a section of politicians and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as he manoeuvred a crowd that turned up to see him.
Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga on Monday, August 5 made a surprise visit to Toi Market, two days after a fire broke out at the popular informal business facility in Kibra and left four people, including a child, dead.
In photos shared by the former Prime Minister on his social media platforms, Raila arrived at Toi Market flanked by a section of politicians and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as he manoeuvred a crowd that turned up to see him.
After he visited the market where he commiserated with the victims of the Saturday morning inferno, Raila compelled Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to begin the process of constructing a perimeter wall.
Raila Odinga speaking on August 5, 2024, during his visit to Toi Market. /RAILA ODINGA
Stating that this would help prevent future fire breakouts from destroying large sections of the market, Raila alleged that the Nairobi County government has enough finances in their 2024/25 budget to facilitate the construction.
“Today I have issued a directive to the governor that the construction of this fence surrounding the market should begin immediately.
“The county government has Ksh100 million in their budget for this financial year to rebuild this market. We have said that they should begin by constructing a perimeter wall immediately. The officer handling matters regarding this market is here,” he said, much to the cheers of the crowd.
Odinga also revealed that the perimeter wall will act as a deterrent for any arsonists intent on torching the market again, adding that once the market is rebuilt, he would personally oversee its reopening.
At the same time, he claimed that some individuals intent on grabbing the Toi Market land are behind the fire incidents in the busy market.
“The worst part is this fire was started by criminals we know personally, those who have for years wanted to grab this land. It has been 30 years of dealing with those people,” he lamented.
“I want to give a warning that those people will not take this land, no matter what actions they decide to take. They want to grab this land so that they divide it amongst themselves and build their houses. From time to time, they go to the Lands office and forge records there but now we are telling them that their days are numbered.”
Raila then donated Ksh1.5 million as well as over 1,000 iron sheets, among materials to be used to rebuild the market which was destroyed by the Saturday morning inferno.
The early morning fire left traders counting their losses. It broke out at around 4 am and destroyed all the business structures, with residents waking up to charred remains of the market, a matter which left the local community in shock and mourning.
It was unclear how the four victims found themselves at the centre of the incident, but reports indicated that they had gone to rescue their properties which were being consumed by the deadly fire.
Woodley area chief Nehemiah Amwocha said the fire could have emanated from one of the kiosks before spreading fast to other structures. Toi Market chair Kenneth Jumba noted that he suspected the fire was started intentionally.
On Saturday afternoon, Governor Sakaja’s visit to the market turned hostile after he was pelted with stones in a chaotic situation that forced his bodyguards to take cover on his behalf, escorting him to safety from the area.
“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 on your feet.
“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,” Sakaja said after the incident, despite the criticism for failed past instances to address the matter.
A fire that ravaged Toi Market on August 3, 2024. /KARALI PICS