LAIKIPIA, Kenya- Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has assured traders affected by the devastating Nanyuki Market fire of support and solidarity following the inferno that destroyed businesses and property on Saturday evening.
In a statement issued after the incident, Kiunjuri described the fire as a painful tragedy for hundreds of traders and families who depended on the market for their livelihoods.
“To all traders and families affected by the devastating fire at Nanyuki Market last evening, I extend my deepest sympathy and solidarity during this painful and difficult moment,” he said.
The legislator said emergency response teams moved swiftly after reports of the blaze emerged, with the Laikipia County firefighting team arriving first at the scene to battle the flames.
He also acknowledged support from the Kenya Air Force (KAF) Nanyuki Airbase, the Nyeri County standby firefighting team from Naromoru, residents, well-wishers and the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), who joined efforts to contain the inferno.
According to Kiunjuri, the fire has since been extinguished, with no injuries or fatalities reported despite the scale of destruction.
“I understand the immense loss and hardship many of you are going through after losing your businesses, investments and source of livelihood to the raging inferno,” he added.
The cause of the fire had not been established by the time of publication, even as traders began assessing losses believed to run into millions of shillings.
The incident has once again raised concerns over fire preparedness and safety measures in major open-air markets across Kenya, many of which have suffered repeated fire outbreaks in recent years.
Kiunjuri urged affected traders to remain strong, pledging commitment towards efforts aimed at helping families recover and rebuild.
“Though property has been lost, our spirit as the people of Nanyuki remains strong. Together, we shall rebuild,” he stated.
