Three children died today morning when their house caught fire while they were asleep in Rigena location, Nyamira County.
Masaba North Deputy County Commissioner Stella Wanyela confirmed that the three minors aged between 4-12 years were asleep when the unfortunate incident happened.
“I received the first distress call from Babu, the bodaboda chairman in this sub county and immediately after Rigena location chief, Charles Okero also called me to inform me about the fire incident in his area of jurisdiction at around 1am,” DCC Wanyela said.
“This incident is very shocking, and profound with a lifetime effect to the affected couple and family.
Police and DCI officers have already started investigations to ascertain the main cause of fire in this house. The house design is in the form of a one storey building with the upper section where the children were sleeping made of wood and iron sheets. This is the section which caught fire while the parents slept on the ground floor which is a permanent structure,” the DCC explained.
She appreciated the efforts made by residents to put out the fire in a bid to save the lives of the young ones but lamented that the efforts were belated leading to the unfortunate incident.
Wanyela urged them to remain calm as investigations commence to ascertain the real cause of fire which burnt the bodies of the children beyond recognition.
She at sametime condoled the father of the deceased children who was hurt while trying to save his children from the fierce inferno.
Leaders from the region led by Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo have sent condolence messages to the couple that is in great pain and agony terming the accident as tragic.
Gachuba Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Henry Obwaya where the incident happened said it was hard to come to terms with the news of the fire accident.
“We appeal to the entire community to pray for this family, give them all the psychosocial support to be able to have closure following this tragedy,” MCA Obwaya said.
The remains of the trio were taken to Gucha Hospital mortuary for autopsy and funeral arrangements.
By Deborah Bochere
