A family in Ngurubani town, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, has been thrown into mourning after four members lost their lives in a house fire under mysterious circumstances on Friday morning.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of 63-year-old Julius Mwangi, his wife Winnie Njeri, 50, and their two daughters, 13-year-old Grace Wawira and four-year-old Ivyjune Njoki. Mwangi, who initially survived the blaze, succumbed hours later while undergoing treatment at Mwea Mission Karira Hospital.
According to police reports, Mwangi had earlier told officers that the family was attacked by unknown assailants and that he narrowly escaped the inferno. He was rushed to hospital by a boda boda rider before his condition worsened. Detectives from Wang’uru Police Station are probing the circumstances surrounding the incident, with suspicions that Mwangi may have played a role in the deaths.
A night watchman, Samuel Mboci, however, offered a different account, claiming he overheard a domestic dispute moments before the fire engulfed the house.
“I heard children pleading with their father to stop beating their mother. Little did I know the situation would turn tragic,” Mboci recounted.
The fire was contained by county government firefighters, who discovered three charred bodies inside the rental house. Mwangi’s death later in hospital brought the toll to four.
The family’s surviving son, Samuel Mwangi, said he was recovering in a private hospital after being attacked by suspected goons on the same day. He now faces the painful task of burying his parents and sisters.
“We are struggling with my uncles to see whether I can give my family a decent send-off,” Samuel said, appealing for support.
Tebere Ward MCA, Peter Karinga, has launched a community initiative to raise funds for the funeral.
“We are reaching out to well-wishers to help the family with burial and hospital expenses. Every contribution will go a long way during this difficult time,” he said.
The four family members are expected to be laid to rest next week as investigations into the tragedy continue.
