UPDATE: Two People Killed, Four Firefighters Injured in Gikomba Market Fire Incident
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UPDATE: Two people were killed, and four firefighters were injured in a fire incident at Gikomba Market on the morning of Sunday, June 21.
In a statement, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the victims were one adult male and one adult female.
Sakaja stated that the bodies of the deceased are yet to be identified, and the emergency response teams will reach out to their families after verification and confirmation.
“On behalf of the people of Nairobi, I extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones. We stand with you in this dark hour. Several other residents who sustained minor injuries received prompt on-scene treatment from our county ambulance personnel and the Kenya Red Cross,” Johnson Sakaja said.
The Kenya Red Cross said that firefighters contained the fire at Gikomba Market after nearly 10 hours of response efforts.
Kenya Red Cross first responders attended to 17 casualties with minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns, at a first aid post established at Gikomba Fire Station.
Gikomba Market Fire Incident
A fire outbreak was reported at Gikomba Market near the fish side area, affecting several businesses and leaving two people dead.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire started at around 4:00 a.m., causing extensive damage.
In a statement, the agency said its teams are on the ground providing support to those affected.
“A major fire has been reported at Gikomba Market, affecting several business premises. The fire is believed to have started at around 4:00 a.m. and has caused significant damage, with response efforts ongoing,” Kenya Red Cross said.
Additionally, there is also a multi-agency response team in Gikomba Market to assist those affected while also assessing the damage caused by the fire.
Cause Of Fire Unknown
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, but authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the matter in order to determine the cause of the fire outbreak.
Videos and photos shared on social media showed huge flames and thick smoke coming from parts of the market as firefighters struggled to put out the fire.
Also Read: Overnight Fires Leaves Families Homeless in Nairobi
Gikomba is one of the largest open-air markets in Kenya and serves as a source of income for many families, fire outbreaks in the past have destroyed many businesses and left owners counting significant losses.
It remains unclear how many traders have been affected or the value of property that has been destroyed in the recent fire outbreak.
Authorities On The Ground
The latest blaze has once again raised questions about the recurring fires at the market and who could be behind them.
The government had evicted 200,000 traders in March 2026 to build a modern market in Gikomba before the fire outbreak.
Netizens have been left wondering who could be behind the Gikomba fires, as they are complaining on social media that the fire outbreaks in Gikomba are now too much.
Also Read: Ruto Breaks Silence on Gikomba Demolitions
Online Reactions
“The Gikomba market is reportedly on fire again. Nini inacause hizi moto,” Sizzler said on X.
“Gikomba is always on fire, whatever happens there,” Gitau commented.
As rescue teams are still on the ground, more information is expected on how the fire started and who started it.
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Red cross officials in Gikomba market
PHOTO/ Red Cross