A Kiambu cleric has come out to criticise those behind the cause of the Gikomba fire, calling for harsh penalties to be taken against them.
Speaking on Wednesday in Banana, Kiambaa sub-county, during a youth and women leadership forum, Apostle Isaiah Gicheha of Church of Christ appealed to the government to hasten the investigations and bring the culprits to book.
“Most of these traders are from Kiambu, Muranga and other regions neighbouring Nairobi. This is the only place they eke a living and most of them are servicing loans to run their businesses. They have now been left counting losses and it will be sad if those behind the crime go scot free,” he said.
He added that like many scandals that have been under investigations in the past, the Gikomba fire should be addressed urgently and a lasting solution provided.
“This is not the first time we have had this incident. It has happened on several other occasions. The government should step in and compensate the traders and ensure the same does not recur by putting up measures to avert any other fires,” he added.
He also called upon the church to work with the government in the fight against illicit brews which have been the killing most youths and men especially in the central region of Kenya.
“We as church leaders should not criticise the government whenever illicit brews claim lives. We should instead educate and carry out transformative training to those engaged in alcoholism and other drugs.
He added: "It is easier for the church to address the issue than the government since the church is on the ground and directly interacting with the people on the grass root."