Several traders have been left counting losses after a massive fire razed parts of the Machakos Mitumba Market, destroying stalls and goods in an incident that occurred late Saturday night.
The blaze broke out at around midnight on Saturday, July 4, with firefighters responding to contain the flames before they spread further across the busy trading centre.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti expressed sympathy with traders whose businesses were destroyed, describing the incident as a major setback for many families that depend on the market for their livelihoods.
Several Stalls Destroyed as Fire Sweeps Through Machakos Mitumba Market. Photo: Courtesy
The governor also praised the Machakos County Fire and Rescue Team for their prompt response, noting that their efforts helped contain the inferno and prevent further destruction.
Ndeti called on the relevant security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and make the findings public once the inquiry is complete.
She further assured the affected traders that the county government would conduct an assessment to determine the extent of the damage and develop measures to support recovery efforts.
According to the governor, her administration remains committed to helping traders rebuild their businesses while pursuing long-term plans to improve the market’s infrastructure.
Ndeti added that the county government is working towards establishing a modern, safe and well-planned trading centre that will provide traders with a more secure and dignified business environment.
The cause of the fire had not been established by the time of publication, and authorities had not disclosed the value of the property destroyed or reported any injuries resulting from the incident.
