Fire Razes Sosiot Trading Centre, Traders Count Heavy Losses

By Robert Siele

Traders and residents of Sosiot trading centre in Belgut, Kericho County, are counting huge losses after a fire swept through parts of residential and business premises on Tuesday morning.
The incident sparked tension in the town as locals scrambled to contain the inferno before it spread further.

According to Joan Cherono, a caretaker and tenant, the fire is suspected to have been ignited by a cooking gas explosion in one of the houses.
The flames spread rapidly, destroying five houses and all property inside.

Traders faulted the county fire brigade for responding late, insisting the damage could have been minimized. Although Unilever fire extinguishers arrived quickly, they failed to bring the fire under control.

Victims have now urged the county government to intervene and provide compensation to help them recover their businesses, which are their main source of livelihood.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities have since launched investigations to determine the actual cause of the fire.