Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o has expressed his condolences to families affected by two separate tragedies that struck the county on Tuesday, September 8, leaving several people dead, others injured and traders counting losses.
In a statement, Governor Nyong’o described the incidents as a cruel blow to the people of Kisumu, saying the county had been hit by tragedy within hours.
The first incident occurred at dawn when a fire broke out at Kibuye Market, one of Kisumu’s busiest trading centres. The inferno razed traders’ goods, leaving several business owners counting losses.
The cause of the fire had not immediately been established, while the extent of the damage was still being assessed.
The tragedy was followed by a grisly road accident at Obambo Market in Kisumu West shortly before midday. According to the governor, the accident claimed several lives and left many others injured.
The two incidents triggered an emergency response, with county emergency and health teams deployed to assist those affected and respond to the unfolding situations.
Nyong’o conveyed his deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the accident, while also expressing solidarity with traders whose businesses and property were destroyed in the Kibuye Market fire.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Kisumu, I send my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stand with our traders in this dark hour,” the governor said.
He also wished those injured in the road accident a quick recovery and commended emergency and health workers for their swift response.
“I commend our emergency and health teams for their swift, tireless response,” Nyong’o stated.
The governor urged residents to remain patient as authorities deal with the aftermath of the two incidents.
He said the county government would continue working to respond to emergencies while seeking ways to prevent similar losses in the future.
The twin tragedies have cast a sombre mood across Kisumu, with affected families, traders and residents grappling with the loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property.
Nyong’o concluded his message by calling for comfort and strength for those affected, saying: “May God comfort us all.”