A somber mood has engulfed Karare area in Saku Constituency, Marsabit County, after a man and his son lost their lives in a tragic grenade explosion inside their home. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when the pair reportedly attempted to dismantle a grenade, unaware of the imminent danger it posed.
According to preliminary reports, the explosive detonated during the attempt, killing both instantly and causing extensive damage to their house. Security agencies believe the victims may have found the device in a nearby field, mistaking it for a harmless object. The source of the grenade remains unclear, though similar devices have previously been discovered in the region, often linked to military training exercises conducted by security agencies.
A joint team of police officers and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has since launched a detailed investigation into the incident to determine how the explosive ended up in the area. Authorities have cordoned off the scene and collected evidence as part of the ongoing probe.
Marsabit County Police Commander Leonard Kimaiyo has urged residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid handling any unfamiliar metallic or suspicious objects. He emphasized that any discovery of items resembling explosives should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or security personnel to prevent further loss of life.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to a local mortuary pending postmortem examinations and further investigations. The tragic deaths have reignited concerns over the presence of unexploded ordnance in parts of northern Kenya, where military drills are occasionally held.
In a separate incident, a police inspector was hospitalized after being attacked by his wife in Likoni, Mombasa County. The officer, who is attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Baringo County, was on leave when a domestic altercation turned violent. The wife allegedly poured hot water on him, inflicting severe burns on his face before fleeing the scene.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect as investigations continue. Officers visiting the injured officer in hospital confirmed that he was in stable condition. Authorities have expressed concern over the growing number of domestic disputes that escalate into violence, urging couples to resolve conflicts through peaceful dialogue to avoid tragic outcomes.
