Chaos Erupts as Governor Sakaja Faces Angry Traders at Toi Market
PHOTO: Governor Nairobi County
Nairobi’s Governor Johnson Sakaja faced a hostile reception on Saturday afternoon. He visited Toi market, which had been devastated by an early morning fire. The inferno, which authorities have yet to determine its cause, claimed four lives and left traders counting huge losses.
Fire Ravages Toi Market
The dawn fire tore through Toi market, leaving a trail of destruction. Traders lost their merchandise and livelihoods in the blaze. The fire’s cause remains a mystery, but its impact is clear. Many traders expressed their devastation and frustration, with the loss affecting not just their businesses but their families’ well-being too.
Governor Sakaja Under Attack
Governor Sakaja’s visit to the market was met with anger and hostility. A video circulating online shows him surrounded by his bodyguards. Stones aimed at his head flew through the air, forcing his security team to form a protective shield around him. The situation quickly escalated, and the flurry of stones became unbearable.
Security Forces Disperse the Crowd
The intensity of the stone-throwing forced Sakaja’s security team to take drastic measures. They fired shots into the air to disperse the angry crowd. The chaotic scene highlighted the traders’ deep frustration and anger towards the county government.
Traders Demand Action
Traders voiced their anger and disappointment with Governor Sakaja. They accused him of neglecting their needs and failing to deliver on his promises. Last year, Sakaja visited the market after another fire incident and promised to repair the damages. However, traders claim that no significant improvements have been made since then.
Criticism Over Slow Response
Many traders criticized the slow response time of the county fire department. They believe a quicker response could have prevented the fire from causing such extensive damage and loss of life. The fire department’s delay in arriving at the scene has left many questioning the county’s preparedness and commitment to protecting its citizens.
Local Leaders Visit the Market
Kibera Member of Parliament Peter Orero and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also visited the affected traders earlier in the day. They engaged with the traders, listening to their grievances and concerns. Both MPs promised to push for better support and quicker response times from the county government.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
The traders at Toi market are demanding long-term solutions. They want the county government to take meaningful action to prevent future fires and ensure their businesses’ safety. Many traders feel abandoned and unsupported, and they are calling for immediate repairs and improvements to the market’s infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
Governor Sakaja faces increasing pressure to address the traders’ concerns and improve the county’s emergency response capabilities. The incident at Toi market serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective governance and prompt action in times of crisis. As the traders rebuild their lives and businesses, they remain hopeful that their pleas for help will not go unanswered this time.
Governor Sakaja’s visit to Toi market highlighted the deep frustrations and anger among traders affected by the fire. The incident underscores the need for better emergency response and long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the county government faces mounting pressure, the affected traders continue to demand action and support to rebuild their lives.
