Traders count losses as fire guts property worth Sh1m in Ringa

Residents watch business premises razed by fire razed at Ringa market, Homa Bay County on July 31, 2020. Property worth more than Sh1 million was destroyed. [James Omoro, Standard]

Property worth more than Sh1 million was destroyed at Ringa market in Rachuonoyo East, Homa Bay County after fire razed four business premises on Thursday night.

The inferno gutted various goods including beef, sugar, cooking oil and a number of goods which were in the shops.

The traders who lost property in the incident appealed for financial support from government agencies and well-wishers to intervene and help them resume their businesses.

“I have lost property worth Sh200,000 in this incident. This is the only property that was supporting my family. We appeal to government agencies and well-wishers to support us because we are in serious financial difficulties,” said Kepher Otieno who lost his butchery.

According to Kojwach Location Chief Caroline Onyango, the fire emanated from a shop which also doubles as a place for cooking potato chips.

“Residents suspect that fire used for cooking the chips was not put out properly, leading to the incident but police will undertake investigations to reveal what actually caused the fire,” said Ms Onyango.

Residents urged the county government of Homa Bay to boost its effort in firefighting to rescue their property in case of such an incident.