On Tuesday, a dozen traders were left counting their losses after their kiosks were demolished. The fire is thought to have been started by a gas explosion at a restaurant. The fire started at 1.30 p.m. and quickly spread to nearby cafes and jua kali artisan businesses. As wananchi and traders fought valiantly to put out the fire, no county fire engine could be seen on the scene. Thomas Kebuse, one of the traders affected said he lost all his items as the fire swept through his business.
“I did not salvage anything and we have not received any help, we are here on our own fighting this fire,” he told the Star while at the scene. About 60 to 80 traders were affected by the incident. Disaster officers did not pick up calls when the Star contacted their office. Being that the fire station in Kisii is the largest in the western region after the Kisumu International airport fire station, they did not help with anything. Instead, they had to seek help from the neighboring Nyamira County. The furious onlookers stoned the Nyamira county fire engine.
