Traders count losses after inferno sweeps through Bondo junction
By Eric Juma, February 21, 2026Property of unknown value was reduced to ashes on Saturday, February 21, 2026, after a massive fire broke out at various shops along Bondo Junction in Siaya Town, destroying several businesses.
The inferno is said to have started at around 4 am before it quickly spread through the congested junction, reducing shops, clubs, kiosks and workshops to rubble.
According to eyewitnesses, including a cleaner working in Siaya Town, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing several premises within minutes and leaving traders with little or no chance to salvage their property.
Firefighters who were contacted were unable to respond to the incident as the firefighting machines had developed mechanical problems.
“It is so unfortunate that the fire has consumed property within the CBD where the firefighting machine is hosted,” one resident said.
Stephen Ochieng, who runs a carpentry workshop at Bondo Junction, said the incident was the first fire tragedy he had experienced since starting his business.
“This fire tragedy has contributed to my downfall, and it is so sad that despite paying taxes to the County Government of Siaya, firefighting services could not get to our business place to put out the fire,” Ochieng said.
“My workshop has been reduced to ashes. The 20 beds and three sets of chairs, each going at Ksh40,000, have been burnt. My tools are also destroyed, including the jack plane.”
He further blamed the county administration for failing to respond to the traders’ plight.
“Orengo-led administration has indeed distanced itself from the business community and has failed to come to the aid of wananchi in times of difficulty. In such disastrous moments, the county ought to be close to us, but the CEO of the county is not with us,” he added.
Another trader, Stephen Omondi Otieno, who runs Black Out Pub, said he was devastated after watching his investment go up in flames.
“The fire tragedy is a blow to my family. I had sought loans to expand this business, and it had started gaining momentum. It is unfortunate that it is no more,” Omondi said.
“The pub was fitted with entertainment machines, including five TV screens.”
A businessman identified as Andrew, who recently sought Ksh 200,000 to boost his hotel business, appealed to Alego/Usonga MP Samuel Atandi and Siaya Governor James Orengo to come to their aid and help them rebuild.
“The business was revived last month (January), and even before the loan is serviced, the business is no more,” he said.
No injuries or fatalities were reported during the incident, although the extent of the damage is yet to be fully established.
Authorities have launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire, with preliminary reports suggesting a possible electrical fault.
Siaya MCA James Otare visited the scene to stand in solidarity with the affected traders.
“It is so painful to see hardworking youth who chose the business path watch in disbelief as their workshops go up in flames. With the Linda Grounds meeting in Siaya Town, it is difficult to hold a meeting with traders today. Tomorrow, Sunday, I will meet the affected traders at my office to deliberate on how to restore their businesses,” Otare said.