Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faced a hostile reception at Toi Market in Kibra on Saturday when angry residents began hurling stones during his visit.
The governor had come to assess the damage caused by a devastating fire earlier that morning, which reportedly started around 4 a.m. due to an electrical fault.
The blaze claimed the lives of four people, including a child, and left over 2,000 traders counting their losses. Despite the tragedy, tensions ran high as residents, frustrated by the frequent fires and delayed responses, directed their anger toward Sakaja.
The governor’s security team quickly surrounded him to shield him from the projectiles, but not without injury. Several bodyguards were reportedly hurt in the commotion, highlighting the volatility of the situation.
The recurring nature of fires at Toi Market has long been a source of concern for traders and residents. Market chair Kenneth Jumba expressed skepticism about the cause of the fire, suggesting it might have been started intentionally.
“We have never received a report on what caused the fire that we experienced last year. We are used to them,” Jumba remarked, reflecting the community’s deep-seated mistrust and frustration.
Firefighters from the Nairobi County Government arrived on the scene hours after the fire broke out, allowing the flames to spread rapidly and causing extensive damage. This delayed response has only fueled suspicions and discontent among the affected traders.
