Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku on Monday afternoon led a government delegation to Embu County to distribute relief aid to Shauri fire victims.
Over 300 traders lost property worth millions after a fire gutted the market that houses furniture businesses on Monday night. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
CS Ruku toured the site alongside Governor Cecily Mbarire to assess the damage before meeting and addressing the victims at Moi Stadium.
The government provided financial support to the affected traders to assist them in rebuilding their livelihoods as well as foodstuffs and bedding.
Speaking during the exercise, CS Ruku described the fire incident as deeply unfortunate, noting that the traders had lost not only property but also their primary source of income and years of hard work.
He stressed that development and business activities must be safeguarded at all costs.
The Cabinet Secretary assured the victims that President William Ruto’s administration had set aside adequate resources to respond swiftly to emergencies and support affected Kenyans across the country.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who also addressed the gathering, said efforts by the county fire brigade to contain the blaze were disrupted after sections of residents reportedly turned unruly and pelted the team with stones.
While maintaining that the county has a well-equipped and capable fire brigade, she expressed regret that the chaos hindered a faster response.
Governor Mbarire further alleged that there may have been political incitement linked to the incident, describing the destruction of businesses as an outdated and barbaric tactic.
She called on security agencies to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that those responsible for what she termed a heinous act are dealt with.
The county boss also announced a waiver of business licences for all the affected traders for this year to enable them to get their businesses back on their feet with ease.
The affected traders expressed gratitude for the government’s timely intervention, even as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their businesses.
By Samuel Waititu
