Detectives in Nakuru County are investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of 83-year-old Leah Wanjiru Kamau on Friday night. The incident occurred at her home in Mbaruku Stage 1, leaving the community in shock.
Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Winstone Mwakio confirmed that the fire broke out while the elderly woman was asleep. The inferno reduced Wanjiru’s home of over 50 years to ashes, with responders unable to save her. Initial reports suggested the blaze might have been accidental, but investigators are now treating the case as suspicious.
“We are probing potential foul play,” Mwakio stated. “Reports indicate there may have been an underlying land dispute within the family, which could have led to this tragic incident.”
The police have not ruled out arson as a motive, and detectives are questioning family members and neighbors for information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding Wanjiru’s death.
The incident has left residents of Mbaruku in mourning, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of a well-respected elder. “She was a kind and loving person who had lived here all her life. This is a great loss for us,” said a neighbor, visibly shaken by the tragedy.
Reports of an internal land dispute have sparked debate in the community, highlighting the rising tensions over inheritance issues. Disputes over property, especially among family members, have increasingly resulted in violence across Kenya, with experts urging conflict resolution mechanisms to be employed before disputes escalate.
Leah Wanjiru’s body has been moved to the Gilgil Sub-County Hospital mortuary for an autopsy. Investigators are also awaiting the results of a forensic analysis of the scene to determine the exact cause of the fire.
“We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us in finding the truth,” Mwakio said.
The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of the elderly, especially in domestic conflicts. Authorities and human rights organizations are calling for heightened measures to protect older citizens, particularly in cases involving inheritance or land disputes.
As the investigation unfolds, the family and community hope for justice and closure for Wanjiru’s untimely demise.
