Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was on Saturday, August 3, 2024, forced to flee from Toi Market in Kibera after residents started pelting him with stones.
Sakaja’s security detail was forced to form a human shield and whisk him away as the angry residents expressed their wrath.
The governor had visited the residents after a huge fire burnt down the market on Saturday morning, destroying goods and property of unknown value.
At least four people were reported dead in the incident, including a child burnt beyond recognition.
At least 2,000 traders were affected by the fire, which according to Toi Market chair Kenneth Jumba, was started intentionally.
“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.”
This is not the first time traders at the Toi market have left counting losses following the fire blazes. On June 11, 2023, properties worth millions of Kenyan shilling were burned down during the inferno at started in the wee hours.