GIKOMBA FIRE: “No Trade Will Be Displaced!” – Governor Sakaja Assures
Following a terrible early-morning fire that claimed two lives, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja promised Gikomba Market vendors his help.
“To the people of Gikomba, poleni sana. A devastating early morning fire tore through the market, destroying the livelihoods of thousands of hard-working traders who form the backbone of our city’s economy,” Governor Sakaja said.
“Tragically, this fire cost lives. It is with profound grief that I confirm two fatalities: one adult male and one adult female. At this hour, the victims are yet to be formally identified.”
Sakaja said, “We stand with you in this dark hour,” while offering the deceased families condolences on behalf of the Nairobi community.
The Kenya Red Cross and county ambulance crews provided on-site care for a number of locals who had minor injuries.
A Frustrated Gikomba worker can’t believe nobody from the County Government was in a rush to help them after fire consumed their businesses! pic.twitter.com/UgbfnO1xDV— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) June 21, 2026
This Gikomba trader who has worked in the market for many years says he has witnessed a lot of fire incidents, but nothing compares to today’s inferno. Almost the entire market has been razed to the ground!
People have lost stocks worth millions. pic.twitter.com/94u1uUWQKU— The Oligarch (@NytoP2PMwangi) June 21, 2026
The only remaining section in Gikomba is the shoe area.
This was a calculated arson pic.twitter.com/018M7xT8Ku— Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) June 21, 2026
The governor acknowledged that emergency personnel had been hurt, but he also commended the firefighters who reacted to the incident.
“I want to commend the bravery of our firefighters who fought back the flames under extreme pressure. Sadly, four of our gallant crew members were injured in the line of duty.”
He denounced assaults on first responders as well.
“However, I must also express condemnation of the lawless, unprovoked attacks directed at first responders,” he added.
“A National Youth Service (NYS) fire engine was stoned and forcibly turned away by rowdy youth, severely disrupting early containment efforts.”
Despite the disruption, the county deployed additional support.
Water bowsers from the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) were used to reinforce firefighting efforts and help contain the blaze.
Sakaja said the county is engaging market leadership and government officials.
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He is in contact with “all the 32 chairmen of the different sections as well as the area county commissioner, Member of Parliament and MCA.”
“My administration is already reviewing immediate logistical mechanisms to support your recovery and help you rebuild. We will not abandon you,” the Governor said.
pic.twitter.com/7sslYpa18W— Team Sakaja (@TeamSakaja) June 21, 2026
He added that enumeration and urgent remedial measures are underway.
Sakaja further sought to calm fears of displacement, insisting that the fire would not be used as an excuse to evict traders or alter ownership of trading spaces within the market.
He assured traders that no one would be displaced. He said traders will be allowed to rebuild in their original spaces even as modernisation of Gikomba continues.
The administration reiterated its commitment to recovery, coordination, and continued engagement with affected traders and leaders to restore livelihoods and stability in the market.
GIKOMBA FIRE: “No Trade Will Be Displaced!” – Governor Sakaja Assures
