Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has called on security agencies to expedite investigations and arrest those responsible for a fire that destroyed the Machakos Mitumba Market over the weekend, leaving 226 traders counting losses.
Speaking after touring the scene and consoling affected traders, the governor alleged that the fire was deliberately started by arsonists hired by her political rivals to intimidate her administration over market reconstruction tenders.
She urged police to move swiftly and bring those responsible to justice.
“The security team should get to work and arrest the criminals. They should produce everyone who burnt the market, just like they did with the school arson suspects,” she said.
To cushion affected traders, Wavinya announced an immediate donation of Sh1 million and said the county government would provide each of the 226 traders with Sh50,000 worth of start-up stock through the County Emergency Fund to help them resume business.
She further announced that the county would offer professional counselling services to victims to help them recover from the emotional and psychological effects of the disaster.
The governor also said bursaries and school fee cheques would be issued to students whose parents lost their businesses in the fire to ensure their education is not disrupted.
“We understand the pain these traders are going through because many have lost their only source of livelihood. My administration will ensure they receive the support they need as they rebuild their businesses,” she said.
Mitumba Market Chairperson Josephine Mueni appealed for enhanced security at the market, saying the fire had deprived hundreds of families of their livelihoods.
She urged investigators to identify and prosecute those responsible to prevent similar incidents.
The market caught fire in the middle of the night, destroying traders’ merchandise of unknown value. County fire engines and other emergency responders contained the blaze before it spread to neighbouring residential estates.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
by Anne Kangero and Alex Mulili
