Shock and grief have engulfed Sosik Village in Bomet County after two young children died in a house fire that police believe was deliberately started by their mother.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of July 11, leaving residents struggling to come to terms with the deaths of Enock Kiptoo, aged three, and Aron Kipkirui, aged six.
According to Sotik Sub-County Police Commander Sammy Choge, the children’s mother, Brenda Chelangat Cheruiyot, 40, is suspected of locking the children inside their house before setting the structure on fire and fleeing the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman allegedly returned home and found the two children inside the house. She then reportedly locked the door from the outside before the house was engulfed in flames.
“The suspect is alleged to have locked the children inside the house and set it on fire before fleeing. Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Choge said.
Residents said they were alerted by screams coming from the homestead and rushed towards the scene after noticing flames rising from the house.
Despite their efforts, neighbours were unable to save the children as the fire spread rapidly through the structure.
“People ran to the house immediately after hearing screams, but the fire had already intensified. It was impossible to get inside and rescue the children,” said one resident who witnessed the incident.
The deaths sparked anger among members of the community, who launched a search for the suspect shortly after the incident.
Police said the woman was later traced by residents who allegedly attempted to lynch her before officers intervened and rescued her from the mob.
“The suspect was rescued from an angry crowd by police officers and taken into custody for her own safety as investigations continue,” Choge added.
She is currently being held at Ndanai Police Station, where detectives are interrogating her as part of ongoing investigations.
Crime scene investigators visited the area to document evidence and establish the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal fire.
The bodies of the two children were removed from the scene and transferred to Kapkatet Mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted.
Police have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the incident, but investigators are examining family circumstances and other factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The heartbreaking deaths have left the village in mourning, with local leaders and residents calling for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work, while counselling and support services are expected to be offered to affected family members and community members struggling to cope with the loss.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.
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