Police in Kirinyaga County are investigating a tragic fire incident that resulted in the deaths of two children at Kagumo Trading Centre in Kirinyaga Central Constituency on Monday night.
The fire broke out around 8 pm, claiming the lives of a 4-month-old and a 4-year-old child, both of whom were burnt beyond recognition.
The mother of the children had reportedly gone to the market to buy supper when the fire occurred. Residents of Kagumo and firefighters from the County Government of Kirinyaga struggled to extinguish the flames.
Jane Wanjiku, a resident, confirmed the fatalities and noted that several people were left homeless due to the fire.
David Kinyua Wangui, the area Member of County Assembly (MCA), arrived at the scene immediately after the incident. He reported that over 20 rented wooden houses were reduced to ashes.
“We are appealing for help as they have slept in the cold,” Kinyua said, urging for assistance for the affected families.
Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Alasow stated that the fire started in one of the wooden houses and spread rapidly to others. “The cause of the fire has not yet been established. We have launched investigations,” the county commissioner said.
The two children’s bodies, which were burnt beyond recognition, were taken to Kerugoya Mortuary.
