This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
On August 7, 2020, a fire ravaged Marikiti market in Nairobi's Central Business District, leaving traders reeling in the aftermath of a land ownership dispute with Kenya Railways.
The fire, which started in the early hours of the morning, destroyed a significant portion of the traders' stock, mainly stored agricultural products. Many have suggested that the fire was caused by arson, sparking widespread condemnation.
Starehe MP Charles Njagua was among the first leaders to respond to the fire, condemning the incident and calling for accountability from state corporations.
'I will follow up on this matter through Parliament. We cannot become a nation where state corporations resort to criminal activities to clear land. We have laws. Failing to abide by them would lead to anarchy,' he stated.
MP Njagua further emphasized that the traders deserved notice and a chance to salvage their goods, particularly in light of the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
'Covid-19 is real. Joblessness is a harsh reality in today's Kenya and businesses are struggling to survive. Where will these traders get the funds to repay loans for their burned stock? I'll make sure that we hold the state corporation accountable,' he added.
Earlier in the year, Kenya Railways had moved to reclaim its land reserve for the construction of the Nairobi mass transit railway, citing the presence of illegal structures on the land.
