Homa Bay traders have called on the county government to strengthen security around marketplaces to curb frequent fires.
The call follows yet another fire incident in one of the markets within the town centre on Tuesday night. A trader incurred heavy losses.
Trader Beatrice Achieng said she suffered losses after her maize mill was gutted down by the night blaze.
Speaking at the market, she explained that she had securely closed her business at around 7pm, only to receive a call from one of her colleagues later in the night, informing her of the fire.
“I received a call at around 10pm from a colleague informing me that my maize mill was on fire," Achieng said.
She added that the machines used diesel and there was no chance the source of the fire was an electric fault.
Area chief Joshua Ochogo, who was also present at the scene, said he suspected the fire might have been started by someone who wanted Achieng out of business.
The administrator said the fire broke out in the early hours of the night and was only prevented from spreading further by street children, taking shelter around the area.
He, however, urged the traders to remain patient as investigations continue. He asked anyone with information about the incident to pass it to security officers.
Homa Bay giant traders association chairman Geoffrey Okoth called on the county government to offer security to the traders.
He said privately employed security personnel were reluctant in executing their duties.
“The traders are a major source of revenue for the county government and should therefore feel confident and secure when leaving their goods at the close of business,” Okoth said.
He added that the traders were becoming restless as this was the third fire that broke out within the town in a span of three months.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
