VIDEO: Gikomba Market Burnt Down Again
Business Traders in Nairobi`s busy Market Gikomba are counting losses after another fire reduced their properties into ashes on the wee hours of Monday 8th November.
Christine Juma This comes barely days after Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) was allowed to evict a section of traders to pave way for the expansion of the neighboring Pumwani Majengo Health facility.
It is believed that it was the fourth fire breakout in less than two months.
Other reports indicate that the impacted stores are thought to be owned by the 174 trades facing eviction by the NMS, led by Major General Mohammed Badi.
On November 6th a Nairobi court through Justice Oguttu Mboya had given NMS a nod to evict a section of traders dealing with second-hand clothes within Gikomba open-air market to pave way for expansion of the neighbouring Pumwani Majengo Health Centre.
Ogutu stated that the injunction would prevent the realization of the right to universal health care, which is predicated on the health Center's planned improvement.
He also added that the right of the traders to make a living must not be a hindrance to the NMS' ability to expand and enhance the Health Center into a Level Three Hospital, according to the NMS.
"Whereas I affirm their rights to earn a living and livelihood, it must however be noted that the petitioner's rights to do so are not absolute.
However, the cause of the fire is yet to be established.
