The Governor of Nairobi City County Sakaja Johnson was on Saturday, August 3 pelted with stones after he arrived at Toi Market in Kibra where a massive fire claimed at least four lives as it razed business premises.
The first term Governor encountered a hostile crowd as he made efforts to asses the damage and help those affected by the dawn inferno.
A rowdy group of locals, in a rage of anger, started jeering and later threw stones at the Governor who had to be shielded by his security detail.
It is said that there had been misinformation spread about the governor and his administration, reason why some of the locals rose against the county boss.
The traders of Toi Market have since distanced themselves from the unrest with word going around that a prominent city politician was behind the chaos.
They have expressed their regret over the actions of the youths and have formally apologized to Governor Sakaja for the unfortunate incident.
In their plea, the traders have requested the governor to return and assist them in rebuilding their lives and businesses.
They emphasised the urgency of their situation, hoping for support and intervention to help them recover from the significant losses they suffered in the fire.
The city MP who has shown interest in unseating the Governor in the 2027 General Election, is said to have incited a section of the locals to chase away Sakaja as he plans to make his visit.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who commands influence in the Eastlands region of Nairobi County, has been a fierce critic if the Governor and has left no chance of attacking the County boss.
Saturday’s incident brings to the fore the politics of violence that has dominated city politics for years.
However, Sakaja has promised to extend a helping hand to the affected traders and families of the fire.
“Today, I visited traders affected by the tragic fire incidents at Toi Market and later at Umoja 2. Poleni sana to all affected and my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. It is with great sorrow that we report the loss of four lives in the Toi inferno. We will extend our full support to their families during this trying time,” he said.
“To the traders, we assure you that we will rebuild and help you get back on your feet. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the first responders and all those who tried to salvage the situation,” he added.
According to the governor, the first call for Toi Market came in at around 5:45AM, and the first engine arrived at the scene in about 15 minutes but it was intercepted by thugs who stole some equipment and water delivery hose pipes.
Later, the county mobilised other engines as well as the KDF, and by 7am, four more engines were at the Toi site.
However, he said, the situation remained volatile, which prolonged efforts to control the fire.
“The Nairobi City County Government will support all the affected communities in their efforts to rebuild. Investigations are underway to determine who set these fires, and we await their findings,” he said.
