Traders lose property worth over Sh5m after fire destroys premises

Residents of Ndhiwa town watch the scene after a fire burnt down business premises. [James Omoro/Standard]

Traders in Ndhiwa town have incurred losses worth more than Sh5 million after their business premises were burnt down.

The fire burnt down three shops with goods and other property inside. Property destroyed included iron sheets, electronic goods, refrigerators, food and non-food items.

Some affected traders, Dickson Aseno, Elizabeth Kande and Daniel Okello decried the huge losses incurred during the Saturday incident.

Aseno said he lost more than Sh2m in the incident. “The fire also burnt down my timber yard alongside other goods,” he said.

The cause of the fire has not been established yet.

The traders also decried persistent fire incidents which have burnt down property in Ndhiwa town in the recent past.

They suspected that the fires were caused by arsonists.

“It is unfortunate that the fire which had burnt down shops in this town began after midnight. We suspect it was an arson attck,” the trader added.

 They called on the police to investigate and expose people they suspect are behind the frequent fires.

“We ask police to investigate and arrest people who plan and execute the arson. They cause a lot of economic drawback to traders,” he added.

Ndhiwa Sub Counnty Police Commander Evans Ombui said his officers were undertaking an investigation into the incident.

“Security officers will meet the traders’ leadership and business community on Monday before we call for a baraza. We are committed to addressing the matter,” Ombui said.