Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has blamed land cartels to be behind numerous fire experienced in Nairobi’s markets.
While addressing traders at Toi market after the huge inferno burnt down the market, Sonko who offered Ksh 5 million to all affected traders said he will make sure land cartels will not grab the market.
Mike Sonko added that the County government will rebuild the market will immediate effect, adding that no cartel will be issued tittle deed for public land.
Toi market flames broke out at 3am on Tuesday and by 6am, they had reduced to ashes property worth millions of shillings.
By 6.30am, the flames were still spreading fast and shanties, including those in residential areas, could be seen smouldering after being reduced to ashes.
Clouds of black smoke could also be seen billowing from make-shift stalls that were used to store bales of apparel overnight.
The affected traders, most of whom do not live in Kibera slums, arrived at their places of work only to start counting losses.
Several businesspeople suffered severe cuts and burns in the earlier morning as they rushed to try and salvage what was left of their businesses.
Many could be seen standing next to where their stalls were located, probably hoping they could find a thing or two they can salvage.