Kenya fire: At least 15 people killed in Nairobi market blaze
County commissioner says cause is yet to be established but has declared site a crime scene
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fifteen people have been killed and 70 injured after a fire tore through one of Nairobi’s largest open-air markets in the early hours of Thursday.
The blaze started at around 2.30am local time (12.30am BST) and spread through Gikomba market, nearby flats and shacks before being contained about 90 minutes later, according to St John Ambulance.
Nairobi county commissioner Kangethe Thuku said six bodies had been recovered but nine were still inaccessible after the fire, which broke out in a timber yard.
“About five ... arrived dead in the hospital but we still have about nine bodies in the burning buildings because we want to confirm and ensure the safety of those buildings,” he said.
The cause of the fire has yet to be established, but “for now we have declared this site a crime scene”.
Rescue teams are searching for more bodies and survivors in Gikomba market, which is located in the Pumwani area of the capital city.
Many Kenyans shop for secondhand clothes from the market, which also supplies other vendors with used clothes from Europe and the United States.
Residents said the crowded market has had fires multiple times in recent years and traders have suffered huge losses.
One market trader, Ruth Kaveke, only managed to save a wad of burned currency from her cloth-making store. It is the second time her business has been destroyed by fire.
“I live in the market because it is convenient and I wanted to be close by; just in case of fire I could salvage my property,” she said.
The market is a five-minute walk from Nairobi’s central business district in an area targeted by the Nairobi County Government for an upgrade.
Thomas Mutie, the acting chief executive of Kenyatta National Hospital, said it is on alert for more victims. “In case we have any more, we are ready for them,” he said.
Agencies contributed to this report
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments