Kisumu senatorial aspirant Fred Odumo Nying’uro has called for investigations into repeated fires at Kisumu Central Juakali Market, urging authorities to establish their causes and identify measures to protect traders from further losses.
Odumo said traders deserved clear explanations about the causes of the fires, which have repeatedly destroyed businesses and disrupted livelihoods.
Speaking during a visit to the recently burnt market alongside Juakali chairman Hussein, Odumo called for the findings of investigations into the fires to be made public and for measures to prevent further incidents.
He urged the county government and the National Police Service to investigate the latest fire alongside previous incidents and share their findings.
“Why have we never received a conclusive report on the causes of these repeated fire outbreaks?” he posed.
Odumo said publicly available findings would help address traders’ concerns about the safety of their businesses. He called for investigations to establish the causes of the fires and identify preventive measures.
He said emergency assistance alone would not resolve the recurring problem, urging authorities to consider lasting solutions to safeguard traders’ property and investments.
During the visit, Odumo donated Sh50,000 in cash and 20 bags of cement to support traders affected by the latest fire as they begin rebuilding their businesses.
He also linked the traders’ concerns to the proposed Kisumu County Markets Bill, which is pending before the County Assembly.
Odumo said he would petition the county government to formally gazette Juakali as a designated market, arguing that official recognition could bring traders within the county’s market management and protection framework.
He urged county officials and MCAs to consider the challenges facing informal traders as they deliberate on the proposed legislation.
He said their concerns about security, business continuity and protection of investments should be addressed.
The recurring fires have raised concerns about the vulnerability of traders operating in the market, many of whom depend on their daily earnings to support their families and sustain their businesses.
Turning to local politics, Odumo cautioned residents against leaders who use clan affiliations to mobilise political support, saying electoral choices should be guided by competence, integrity and the ability to deliver.
He said political competition should focus on practical solutions to residents’ economic and social challenges rather than divisions based on clan identity.
“Leadership should be based on competence and merit, not clan politics. Our people need leaders who can deliver solutions to their problems and improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Odumo urged voters to assess candidates based on their qualifications, performance and development agendas as they prepare for future elections.
