Inferno Destroys Wajir’s Main Market, Causing Huge Losses

Wajir(Mogadishu24)-Soko Mjinga, the largest market in Wajir County, was burned to ashes on Saturday night after a devastating fire broke out, causing the loss of properties worth hundreds of millions.

The fire erupted around 10:30 last night in the commercial market, specifically in the Il-Magaalo shopping center, spreading across various shops selling different types of clothes and food, warehouses, and other commercial areas.

The fire continued for hours despite calls for intervention from the county government fire department going unanswered. However, it was extinguished after five hours following collaborative efforts by the Kenya Airport Authority and Kenya Defense Forces, who dispatched their fire extinguishers to the scene.

Residents have accused the county department of emergency and officials of neglecting their duty.

“There was a huge fire in Soko Mjinga, particularly along the area of Il-Magala shopping center and its nearby shops. It is unfortunate that, despite the huge fire, no responsible leaders have reached the scene,” said one of the businessmen in the market.

“The leaders and the county officials have ignored our calls, which has contributed to the spread of the fire. I have lost over 40 million shillings ($300,000), including cash and properties,” he added.