Three children died tragically after a house fire destroyed their family home in Kahuho village, Kabete, Kiambu County.
The fire broke out on Monday afternoon, police said it consumed the house the victims were resting.
In a separate incident, a 93-year-old man died in a fire at his home in Ngecha, Limuru
Kabete police commander Anthony Mbogo confirmed the incident, stating that the victims were 14, 5, and 2 years old.
A gas cylinder is suspected to have caused the fire. Police said they are investigating the incident.
The fire spread quickly, consuming two residential houses, and the situation was exacerbated by the delayed arrival of the Kiambu County fire engine.
Boniface Mwangi, the children’s bereaved father, described the desperate efforts of neighbors and well-wishers to extinguish the flames, which were ultimately futile.
“It was a gas explosion, and I tried to save my children, but I was unable to,” Mwangi said.
He added well-wishers came and tried their best, but it was all in vain.
He expressed his frustration, saying, “The turnaround time for this county’s fire engine is unacceptable.”
The fire brigade arrived when it was already too late because the children had died.
Area MCA Kamau Thumbi shared Mwangi’s concerns, describing his own struggles to mobilize emergency services.
The bodies were moved to the mortuary. Two weeks ago three other children died in similar incident in the area. Police said they are yet to determine the cause of the fire.
