Several families have lost their livelihoods after an inferno gutted a clothes market in Machakos county.
They are families of traders who operate at the famous Mitumba market in Machakos town, which was razed by fierce fire on Saturday at around midnight.
The traders lost properties of unknown value, with the incident disrupting livelihoods, destroying valuable merchandise, and imposing a significant socio-economic burden on them and their dependents.
Some of the traders who spoke to the Star said the fire had rendered them hopeless. They said the business was their only source of livelihood, with no backup plan.
"I feel like my life has come to an end. I solely depend on the mitumba business to raise my family. I have been in this business for close to ten years now," a single mother, victim of the inferno, told the Star on Sunday.
She said her business was gutted down while she was asleep, and efforts by the first responders to the scene to salvage merchandise bore no fruit. All her belongings were reduced to ashes.
Some of the victims told the Star that they were servicing bank loans, which they wondered how they would clear after the incident.
They said that due to the hard economic times, they were confused and stuck, hence the need to be supported by the government to get back on their feet.
"This is the only business which I depend on to raise my family, pay school fees, sort my other bills, including house rent here in Machakos. The fire has reduced me to zero. I call for support from well-wishers to enable me to continue with my business," a male trader said.
Most of the mabati structures were completely razed, with efforts to salvage property becoming unfruitful.
Some of the traders and residents who responded to the incident just watched from afar due to the extent of the fire.
Emergency services responded to the incident and prevented the fire from spreading to the neighbouring structures.
The course of the fire wasn't immediately established.
Authorities are yet to comment on the incident.
