4 Family Members Killed in House Fire in Kirinyaga

File image of a house on fire.

A family in Ngurubani town, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, is in deep mourning after four of their kin perished in a mysterious fire incident.

The tragedy struck on Friday morning when Julius Mwangi, 63, his wife Winnie Njeri, 50, and their two daughters, Grace Wawira, 13, and Ivyjune Njoki, 4, were caught up in a house inferno.

Mwangi initially survived and was rushed to Mwea Mission Karira Hospital by a boda boda rider but later succumbed around 3pm while undergoing treatment.

Confirming his father’s death, Samuel Mwangi, the family’s surviving son, said they were devastated by the turn of events.

Detectives have launched investigations into the circumstances of the fire, with suspicions that Mwangi may have been involved in the deaths of his wife and children.

Before his death, Mwangi told police from his hospital bed that the family had been attacked by unknown assailants but he managed to escape.

However, conflicting accounts have emerged. A night watchman, Samuel Mboci, reported hearing an altercation inside Mwangi’s house shortly before the fire broke out at about 1am.

“I heard children pleading with their father to stop beating their mother. Shortly afterwards, I noticed flames engulfing the house,” Mboci told investigators.

Wang’uru sub-location Assistant Chief, Mercy Wambui, confirmed that county firefighters managed to put out the fire and discovered three bodies burned beyond recognition inside the house.

Samuel, the surviving son, added another twist, claiming he was admitted to a local private hospital after being attacked by suspected hired goons hours before the fire.

“I was assaulted by unknown people at around 11am on Friday, and I strongly suspect they are the ones who later attacked my family,” he said.

Now left to bury his parents and two sisters, Samuel says the family is struggling to raise funds for a decent send-off.

“We are working with my uncles to give them a proper burial, but it has not been easy,” he lamented.

Tebere Ward MCA, Peter Karinga, said leaders and residents have started mobilising resources to support the bereaved family.

“We are appealing to well-wishers, individuals, and organisations to come forward. Every contribution counts, and it will go a long way in easing the family’s burden during this trying period,” said the MCA.