Gikomba fire: Faith Odhiambo vows to amplify cry for compensation as traders count losses
By Sharon Atieno, June 21, 2026The former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo and DAP-K leaders have condemned the latest fire that broke out at Gikomba Market on Sunday, June 21, 2026, near the fish section, terming it another devastating blow to traders and a reflection of repeated failure to secure one of Nairobi’s busiest economic hubs.
In a statement on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Odhiambo expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling for urgent and lasting interventions to protect traders from recurring losses, while DAP-K warned that continued destruction of livelihoods could have political consequences if not addressed.
“I am deeply saddened by the reports of yet another fire ravaging stalls at Gikomba Market this morning, leaving traders counting losses as their goods go up in flames,” Odhiambo said.
The former LSK boss added that she will help amplify calls for justice and compensation even as traders count losses.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with Gikomba traders and commit to amplifying their cry for justice, compensation and meaningful reform so that never again finally means something,” she made it clear.
“My heart goes out to every hardworking Kenyan whose livelihood has been wiped out overnight. No family should have to repeatedly rebuild from ashes while questions about safety, accountability and lasting solutions remain unanswered,” she added.
Leaders demand urgent reforms
Speaking in X account on Sunday, June 21,2026, DAP-K leaders also issued a strongly worded statement, linking the recurring market fires to broader governance failures and warning of the political consequences of neglecting traders’ welfare.
“Our heart goes out to thousands of traders who are counting millions of losses following a fire incident in Gikomba Market. It is very unfortunate that those who rose to power with lies to hustlers are the same now destroying small businesses and livelihoods. In 2027 be wise,” the party said.
Calls for accountability and lasting safety measures
The leaders called for urgent reforms, urging authorities to move beyond statements of sympathy and implement long-term safety measures to prevent repeated disasters at the market.
“Leaders and relevant agencies must move beyond promises to concrete action. We must pursue proper market planning, real fire safety infrastructure and transparent investigations into these recurring infernos that keep targeting one of Nairobi’s most important economic hubs,” Odhiambo noted.
Solidarity with traders as losses mount
She further emphasised the need for accountability and compensation for affected traders, insisting that the cycle of destruction must end.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with Gikomba traders and commit to amplifying their cry for justice, compensation and meaningful reform so that never again finally means something,” she said.
The fire, which broke out near the fish section of the market, has once again exposed concerns over preparedness and emergency response in Nairobi’s largest open-air trading centre, where traders continue to suffer repeated losses from similar incidents.