Tragedy has struck Gikomba Market once again, as a massive fire tore through the footwear section near Lamu Road in Pumwani, Majengo, at around 3:00am on Sunday.
The early morning inferno gutted dozens of stalls and destroyed goods worth millions, sending devastated traders into mourning—and fury.
Videos shared online show towering flames and thick yellow smoke engulfing the market, a hauntingly familiar scene in Kenya’s largest open-air market.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported, but the financial toll is crippling for hundreds of small-scale traders.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, who visited the scene, praised the swift response by county firefighters and local volunteers but called for deeper investigation.
“We appreciate the quick action by emergency services, but we must address the root causes of these recurring fires,” he said.
This is the third such fire in as many months, following similar incidents on March 1 and April 1, both in the Kwa Mbao section.
Traders are now openly questioning the narrative of “accidents,” alleging that the blazes are acts of economic sabotage, possibly by business rivals or land cartels.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki previously ordered investigations into the frequent fires affecting Gikomba, Toi, and other Nairobi markets.
However, traders say they have seen no action, no arrests, and no justice.
As the ashes settle once more, the question remains: is Gikomba burning by design?
