Gikomba fire: President condoles with victims, orders probe

President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed shock and dismay after the Gikomba fire incident killed 15 people and left 70 others with serious burn wounds.

He affirmed that the government would support for the victims and assured Kenyans, for a second time, that investigations would be launched to establish the cause of the fire.

Also Read: Uhuru orders swift probe into Gikomba fire

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and to their families,” said the Head of State, “and we will work to make sure that no such tragedy recurs.”

President Kenyatta also lauded St. John’s Ambulance and Kenyatta National Hospital for their swift response following the tragedy.

“The national Government and Nairobi County will sit together for a full review of our emergency services, and our disaster preparedness,” he added.

“We owe the victims, and the people of Nairobi, a clear, credible plan to end these fires.”

In 2017, a similar incident occurred and the President ordered that investigations be carried out.

He waded into the raging debate after eight cases of fire at Gikomba market within a span of 6 years.

Also Read: Gov’t says initial reports show Gikomba fire arson