Nairobi Woman Rep Aspirant Faults Authorities Over Recurring Gikomba Infernos

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 21 – 2027 Nairobi Woman Representative aspirant Faith Odhiambo has called for urgent reforms following yet another fire outbreak at Gikomba Market that destroyed traders’ goods and disrupted livelihoods.

The immediate former Law Society of Kenya President questioned the repeated nature of the fires, urging authorities to investigate the cause and ensure accountability for the recurring incidents.

“My heart goes out to every hardworking Kenyan whose livelihood has been wiped out overnight. No family should have to repeatedly rebuild from ashes while questions about safety, accountability, and lasting solutions remain unanswered,” Odhiambo said.

Her statement comes as traders at the largest open-air market count losses after a massive fire destroyed their wares.

The Kenya Red Cross and witnesses indicated that the fire started in the fish section of the market before spreading to stalls and other business premises.

Gikomba Market has experienced several major fire incidents over the years, with previous outbreaks causing extensive destruction of businesses, merchandise, and livelihoods.

Odhiambo emphasized that leaders must prioritize structural reforms, including proper urban planning and the installation of effective fire safety systems within major trading hubs.

“We must pursue proper market planning, real fire safety infrastructure, and transparent investigations into these recurring infernos that keep targeting one of Nairobi’s most important economic hubs,” she said.

Odhiambo noted that temporary responses have failed to protect traders, many of whom continue to suffer repeated losses without lasting solutions.

She further called for transparency in investigations and a commitment to implementing reforms that would prevent similar disasters in the future.