Traders at Suq Mugdi market in Garissa are counting heavy losses after a massive fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, destroying goods and stalls worth millions of shillings.

The fire, which started around 7:00 am, swept through sections of the popular market located along Posta Road, reducing scores of businesses to ashes before firefighters and local volunteers managed to contain the blaze.

The Kenya Red Cross said it worked alongside a multi-agency response team to successfully contain the blaze and provided first aid treatment to five individuals at the scene.

The organization added that the cause of the fire is still unknown, with investigations currently ongoing.

Distraught traders who had spent years building their small businesses were left in tears as they combed through the smouldering ruins, hoping to salvage whatever little remained.

“I had just stocked fruits and vegetables worth over Sh100,000 yesterday.

Everything is gone. I don’t even know where to start,” said Halima Salah, a fresh produce vendor who has operated at the market for the past 11 years.

Many traders at Suq Mugdi operate with little to no insurance, meaning they will bear the full burden of the losses.

Others had taken loans from microfinance institutions and shylocks to expand their businesses ahead of the new month, only to watch their investments go up in flames.

“I borrowed money last week to bring in electronics from Nairobi. I was planning to pay back from this week’s sales. Now everything is destroyed,” said Hussein Omar, whose electronics stall was among those consumed by the fire.

The market is one of Garissa’s largest trading centres, serving as a lifeline for hundreds of low-income families.

Among the worst-hit were vendors selling perishable items, including fruits, vegetables, and groceries. Stalls selling second-hand clothes, utensils, and small electronics were also affected.

Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad expressed deep empathy for the affected traders, stating, "As a mother, I understand the struggle — waking up early, working tirelessly to earn every coin, and carrying the hopes of your children. To lose all that in an instant is truly heartbreaking."

She assured the victims that their suffering has not gone unnoticed. "To every trader affected, I share in your pain. Your loss is a loss for all of us. I promise that our response will go beyond words. We will push for urgent relief, long-term recovery, and the restoration of your dignity," she said.

Nominated Member of Parliament Umulkheir Harun Mohamed, in a statement sent to newsrooms, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged her full support for the affected traders.

“Suq Mugdi is more than just a marketplace — it is the heartbeat of our community. When it is affected, we are all affected,” she said in a heartfelt message posted on social media.

“I am in close contact with the relevant leadership on the ground and would like to assure the people of Garissa of my full support, both in cash and in kind.”

She added that her office is committed to supporting the recovery efforts and working with authorities to explore avenues for compensation for affected traders.

“Let us continue to pray for one another, and especially for those who have lost their livelihoods in this unfortunate incident,” she said.

Garissa Township ODM party chairman Mohamed Abass Bulale, who visited the scene shortly after the fire was contained, also urged authorities to provide urgent support to affected families.

He cited the need for long-term measures, including fire hydrants, accessible roads within the market, and better urban planning.

Traders and residents have called on both the county and national governments to speed up investigations, provide emergency relief, and implement safety measures to prevent future tragedies.