Police in Kagumo, Kirinyaga County, are investigating a fire incident that killed two children in a residential plot near Kagumo Trading Centre in Kirinyaga Central Constituency on Monday night.
The incident happened at around 8 p.m., when two children aged 4 months and 4 years were burnt beyond recognition.
According to the residents and police, the mother of the two children had gone to the market to buy food when the incident happened.
Jane Wanjiku, a resident, who recounted the tragic events leading to the tragedy, said the fire spread so fast that it was impossible to rescue the children who were in the house where the fire started.
John Mwangi, another resident, said that the members of the neighbouring community did what was possible in trying to put off the fire before the team from the County Government of Kirinyaga arrived.
“We called for help immediately, and within no time, assistance from immediate neighbours were in before firefighters. We are thankful for their prompt response,” he added.
The fire has disrupted the lives of many, including school-going children, who are unable to attend classes due to the loss of their homes and school supplies.
Irene Karimi, the owner of the houses, described the chaotic scenes of screams when the fire started that led to the destruction of her property, pleading for assistance from anyone who can help the affected families.
“I was in my house when I heard screams. I got out only to find the houses burning. Twenty houses were burnt, and the children of one mother died.” Karimi said
The victims later on Tuesday afternoon received aid from the County Government of Kirinyaga and Kirinyaga Central MP to help rebuild their accommodation.
The leaders distributed food and non-food items, including iron sheets, mattresses, blankets, and packets of foodstuffs.
The County Executive Member for Finance, Jacqueline Njogu, urged the residents to seek services from the planning department when constructing houses.
The firefighters from the county arrived on time, but accessing the site was a challenge that contributed to delays in containing the fire.
“We have a planning department in our county, and we encourage you to visit them before building your properties; they will assist in making sure there will be easy access in case of incidents like this,” Njogu said.
By Grace Njoki
