Karanja Kibicho says gov't to compensate traders

Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has assured traders who lost their valuables during a fire outbreak at Gikomba market that the government will compensate them.

Kibicho who visited the scene also assured traders that the perpetrators of the costly incident would be traced and punished.

Interior PS Karanja Kibicho (centre) and NMS boss Mohamed Badi (left) visit Gikomba market. Photo: Karanja Kibicho
Source: UGC

Speaking to the press on Thursday, June 25, the PS was he was certain the fire was not accidental and his officers had launched a probe into the incident with a view of exposing perpetrators for prosecution.

"We as the government do no think these fire are natural. We believe there are people who think by evacuating traders from this place they will get land to development. I want to assure the country that Gikomba will remain public land and we will protect it," said Kibicho.

Kbicho noted 399 households had been affected by the inferno and the government would compensate them to enable them continue with their lives.

To ensure the market place is secure and such instances do not occur again, the PS said plans were underway to erect a parameter wall around it.

"The 399 households affected by the Gikomba Market fire will receive Govt support. We also have plans to erect a parameter walls around this place which we expect to be ready in approximately 3 months. Gikomba shall also have a borehole.' he added

Gikomba has been recording cases of fire outbreaks almost every year, a habit that has attracted the rage of traders and Kenyans at large.

Previously, the government has been talking tough about the occurrences but nothing tangible has been done to address the matter.