Kamukunji MP calls for swift investigation into Gikomba market fire
Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan has called on authorities to promptly investigate the cause of the early morning fire that destroyed large sections of Gikomba Market on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The blaze, which began around 3:00 am in the footwear section adjacent to Lamu Road in Pumwani, Majengo, razed several stalls, causing traders significant losses.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Hassan conveyed his sorrow over the incident and emphasised the need for authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they face prosecution and imprisonment for their actions.
I am deeply saddened and troubled by the fire that gutted large sections of the Gikomba Market this morning, devouring properties, stalls, and destroyed goods estimated at millions of shillings. In one sweep, the devastating fire has wiped out the livelihoods and hopes of thousands of small traders who were earning a living in the largest market in Kenya. They have lost everything they had,” Hassan wrote.
“I am calling on the authorities to immediately investigate the cause of this fire and ensure that the culprits are found, prosecuted, and jailed for their crimes.”
Standing in solidarity
In addition, the MP disclosed that he had informed both county and national government leaders about the Gikomba tragedy and would collaborate with them to ensure that the fire victims received all necessary assistance to rebuild, recover, and resume their lives.
“I have communicated the Gikomba tragedy to both the county and national government leadership and will work closely with them to ensure that the victims of this terrible fire get all the help they can to rebuild, recover, and get back on their feet,” he disclosed.
He further expressed unwavering confidence that the Gikomba market would recover and thrive again, affirming his belief in the resilience of its traders.
“Once again, I stand in solidarity and support with the resilient traders of Gikomba Market at this difficult moment. I have absolutely no doubt that Gikomba will overcome and rise again!” he added.
Gikomba fire
The call for investigation comes hours after Hassan confirmed that the inferno erupted in the footwear section of the market and that the county fire engine had arrived at the scene, with firefighters and locals volunteering to battle the inferno that was spreading quickly.
“A massive fire erupted in the footwear section of Gikomba Market, adjacent to Lamu Road in Majengo in Pumwani, at around 3 am. The county fire engine has arrived, and firefighters and local volunteers are battling to squash the inferno,” the lawmaker wrote on X.
However, this is not the first time Gikomba market is going up in flames. On April 1, 2025, another fire broke out at the popular market, leaving a trail of destruction.
Reports indicated that the April 1 inferno also erupted at 3:00 am in the Kwa Mbao section of the market, consuming the entire area and even spreading to the nearby bus station.
Traders who lost their stock in the fire suspected that faulty electrical wiring may have been the cause. A similar incident had occurred on March 1, 2025, at the same section.
