Sakaja confirms 2 dead after devastating Gikomba market fire
By Mustafa Juma, June 21, 2026Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has confirmed that two people died in the massive fire that swept through Gikomba Market, turning what had initially been reported as a major commercial disaster into a tragic loss of life.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 21, 2026, after emergency teams finally contained the inferno following nearly 10 hours of firefighting efforts, Sakaja expressed sorrow over the fatalities and extended condolences to the affected families.
“A devastating early moming fire tore through the market, destroying the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking traders who form the backbone of our city’s economy. 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 stated.
Identities of the dead
The governor added that emergency personnel were working urgently to establish the identities of the victims and notify their next of kin.
“Our emergency teams are working urgently to establish their identities and reach out to their families,” he stated.
The deadly blaze ripped through sections of the sprawling market, one of East Africa’s largest trading hubs, destroying businesses and livelihoods as traders watched helplessly while flames consumed merchandise worth millions of shillings.
17 injured
The tragedy also left several people injured. According to the Kenya Red Cross, 17 casualties were attended to at a first aid station established at the Gikomba Fire Station. The victims suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns.
As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, Sakaja revealed that firefighting operations faced significant challenges after a National Youth Service (NYS) fire engine was attacked during the emergency response.
According to the governor, rowdy youths stoned the fire engine and forced it to retreat, disrupting initial containment efforts and potentially worsening the destruction caused by the blaze.
“However, I must also express condemnation of the lawless, unprovoked attacks directed at first responders. A National Youth Service fire engine was stoned and forcibly turned away by rowdy youth, severely disrupting early containment efforts,” he said.
Despite the hostility, county emergency teams continued with rescue and containment operations, supported by water bowsers from the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company.
Sakaja said the additional equipment helped firefighters eventually bring the inferno under control.
The governor also moved to reassure traders that the county government would not allow anyone to exploit the tragedy to displace legitimate business owners from their trading spaces.
“I assure you that no one will take advantage of this fire to displace any trader from their spaces. We will allow you all to rebuild where you were even as we continue modernizing Gikomba,” he said.
He disclosed that county officials were already engaging leaders representing various sections of the market, including 32 chairpersons, local administrators and elected leaders, to assess losses and coordinate recovery efforts.
Enumeration of affected traders is currently underway as the county government prepares immediate interventions aimed at helping businesses recover from the devastating fire.
“Your pain is our pain,” Sakaja told traders.
The latest tragedy adds to a long history of fires at Gikomba Market, incidents that have repeatedly raised concerns over safety standards, emergency preparedness and infrastructure challenges at the bustling commercial centre.