Makongeni MCA proposes renaming Toi market after Raila Odinga
Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Jateso Imwatok has proposed a motion to improve the standard of structures in Toi Market.
Toi, located in Kibra constituency, has been plagued by consistent fire incidents, including the recent one where propertry worth millions of shillings was lost after part of the market was reduced to ashes.
The Makongeni Ward MCA said he would be tabling a motion in the Assembly in a few weeks to put an end to the fire incidents.
“Toi Market, maybe the name has become a problem. We are planning as an assembly to move a motion to change Toi Market to Raila Odinga Market so that at the end of the day, we are protecting the legacy of this market through a sworn allegiance to our party leader,” said Mr Imwatok.
He explained that as an assembly where Azimio MCAs are in the majority, the motion will sail through without opposition.
“We have the numbers to execute it and if it is public participation, it will only be premised on Kibra and we have the numbers to make sure that the public participation agrees with us that Toi market should be changed to Raila Odinga market.”
During Wednesday night’s session, the member moved a motion calling for the construction of a permanent market and perimeter wall at Toi Market.
The MCA expressed concern over the increasing cases of arson attacks on informal markets in the county, including Toi Market, which has caused significant economic losses, social unrest and endangered the lives of traders and residents in the market.
Through the motion, the MCA called on the Assembly to urge the administration of Governor Johnson Sakaja to allocate sufficient funds from the county budget in the coming 2023/2024 financial year or seek alternative sources of funding including public-private partnerships, grants or development loans to finance the market.
The motion also calls for improved security measures to prevent arson attacks, such as the installation of advanced fire suppression systems, robust security cameras and the employment of adequate security personnel.
The Executive has also been asked to provide adequate infrastructure and facilities such as sheltered stalls, storage areas, sanitation and utilities to ensure a conducive trading environment.
In the last administration of Governor Anne Kananu, which came during the existence of the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS), the former Mbagathi Road was renamed Raila Odinga Road to honour the contribution of the country’s opposition leader.
Recently, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga promised to rename Homa Bay Stadium to Raila Odinga Homa Bay Stadium.
Also read: Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii backs MCAs salary push