Chaos at Toi Market: Governor Sakaja’s Visit Turns Nasty

It was meant to be a gesture of support, but Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s visit to Toi market on Saturday afternoon quickly descended into chaos. Just hours after a devastating fire ravaged the bustling marketplace, leaving four people dead and countless livelihoods in ruins, Sakaja arrived to assess the damage. Instead of finding a warm welcome, he was met with a hail of stones from angry traders.

The scene was tense as Sakaja’s bodyguards formed a protective circle around him, desperately trying to shield the governor from the projectiles flying through the air. The frustration of the crowd was palpable, their actions speaking volumes about the depth of their despair and disillusionment.

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“We’re tired of empty promises!” shouted one trader, her voice cracking with emotion. “Last year, when the market burned, Sakaja came here full of big words and grand plans. But look at us now – nothing has changed!”

The traders’ fury wasn’t just about unfulfilled promises. Many pointed to the sluggish response of the county’s fire department, believing that a quicker reaction could have saved lives and livelihoods. As the stones continued to rain down, Sakaja’s security team was forced to fire warning shots into the air, dispersing the crowd but leaving a cloud of resentment hanging heavy over the market.

Earlier in the day, local politicians Peter Orero, MP for Kibera, and Babu Owino, representing Embakasi East, had visited the scene. Their interactions with the traders seemed more peaceful, highlighting the depth of frustration directed specifically at the governor.

As the dust settled and Sakaja beat a hasty retreat, the real tragedy remained. Four lives were lost, countless dreams were reduced to ashes, and a community was left wondering when – if ever – real change would come to Toi Market. The governor’s visit, intended to show solidarity, instead laid bare the deep-seated issues plaguing Nairobi’s informal economy and the growing disconnect between political promises and on-the-ground realities.