Reer Garissa: A Heartfelt Reflection from Dr. Mohamed Abdinoor Dahir
Tragedy at Suuq Mugdi
Today, my heart breaks for the soul of Garissa particularly the industrious traders of Suuq Mugdi. When news reached me of the inferno that engulfed their livelihoods, I felt a profound sorrow. I offer my deepest sympathies to every family and trader whose dreams were torn apart in those cruel flames.
The Fire That Should Never Have Returned
Suuq Mugdi lies at the very pulse of Garissa’s Central Business District, where hundreds of thousands gather daily. For so many, this market is not just a place to trade it’s the epicenter of survival, hope, and community. And yet, today’s tragedy is heartbreakingly familiar. We relive this nightmare every two to three years: markets ablaze, hopes extinguished, and livelihoods shattered.
A Community’s Courage in the Face of Disaster
There lies an enduring testimony in this catastrophe. Though only a single county fire engine stood between destruction and salvation, alongside scores of brave bystanders, the fire was finally controlled. We owe our gratitude to every soul who rushed toward the flames not in recklessness, but in defiance of despair, forging a fragile shield of hope. Thank God, no life was lost. But millions of shillings worth of property vanished in mere moments.
We Must Ask: What If We Were Less Fortunate?
We can’t ignore the pivot of fate that spared us from greater catastrophe. Reflect on what might have happened had those flames spread unchecked: petrol stations ablaze, vehicles incinerated, homes consumed. We would not be mourning property loss we would be mourning souls. That terrifying possibility haunts me more with each passing moment, and the weight of that thought is unbearable.
Haunted by Memories of Past Infernos
This isn’t the first time I’ve faced this level of devastation. As former Head of Disaster Management at Kenya Red Cross Society, I’ve seen the charred remains of marketplaces in Hargeisa, Bakaraha in Mogadishu, the Schangwan oil tanker explosion that affected countless people, and the Lamu Faza Island blaze that nearly erased a community. Each scene seared into my mind; every ember a cry for better preparedness.
A System Under Test: Where Did We Fail?
This disaster has unveiled a painful truth: we are catastrophically unprepared. Our first responders were stretched thin, fire suppression systems nonexistent, and coordination among agencies shockingly weak. We must acknowledge that today’s tragedy wasn’t just about flames it was about systems that failed to stand resilient when tested.
Demand for Change: Training and Tools for Traders
Let this moment mark a turning point. We need to empower our traders with practical fire-fighting skills simple, realistic, and effective. Every stall, shop, or business premises should be equipped with basic fire extinguishers, seawater, sand buckets, and trained personnel ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. I envision a multi-agency task-force: county officials, security services, military personnel, airport staff, hotel management, and gas station operators, all working together to establish a cohesive response unit. The Kenya Red Cross particularly its Nairobi office and county branches must play a pivotal role in facilitating such training and coordination.
County Government Must Step Up: More Engines, Hydrants, Trained Crews
If we fail to act, this scene will repeat over and over again. Our county government must not wait until the next disaster. Immediately, they must procure additional fire engines, install more hydrants, train dedicated fire crews, and enforce safety and compliance measures across all businesses and offices. This isn’t optional it’s the bare minimum required to preserve life and livelihoods.
We Must Rise, Together
To the families who lost so much today your loss is felt deeply. But from tragedy comes the seed of transformation. May this blaze ignite more than just destruction; may it be the catalyst that compels us to build, prepare, and protect. As a son of Garissa, I will not let this moment be forgotten. Suuq Mugdi must rise again stronger, safer, and united.
You have expressed deep empathy and sentimental attachment to the people of Garissa at a time when they livelihood has been devastated by the engulfing fire
Throwing in your disaster management experience in thwarting recurrence of such risks through multiagency approach, procuring appropriate fire fighting equipments by the county government is a charitable act.
May Allah surround the affected people with sabar and sustenance
You have expressed deep empathy and sentimental attachment to the people of Garissa at a time when their livelihood has been devastated by the engulfing fire
Throwing in your disaster management experience in thwarting recurrence of such risks through multiagency approach, procuring appropriate fire fighting equipments by the county government is a charitable act.
May Allah surround the affected people with sabar and sustenance
Indeed ,we should unite,stand for each other,as you said the loss is imense ya Allah guide us,help us n May we learn from this recurring disaster.