A devastating fire that broke out in Gachie village, Kiambaa constituency, Kiambu County, on Saturday night claimed the lives of three young children. The victims, two girls aged four and two, and a one-year-old boy, perished in the blaze, while their eight-year-old brother managed to escape with injuries.
The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning, with the fire believed to have started around 1 a.m. The children’s single mother, Cynthia, was away at the time of the fire, leaving the children alone at home. The area’s residents, who rushed to the scene, made desperate attempts to extinguish the flames but were unsuccessful. The Kiambu County fire engine arrived too late to prevent the destruction.
The area Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Kabau Muthondu, confirmed the grim news. “The bodies of the three children have been taken to Kihara Level 4 Hospital morgue, awaiting autopsy,” Muthondu said. The surviving eight-year-old boy, who sustained injuries in the incident, was admitted to the same hospital for treatment.
The owner of the house, a night guard named John Ombasi, was informed of the fire and rushed home, only to find his house reduced to ashes. “When I arrived, there was nothing left. Everything was completely destroyed,” Ombasi stated in an interview.
In light of this tragedy, MCA Muthondu has urged parents not to leave young children alone at home, particularly at night. He emphasized the importance of seeking help from neighbors and close friends to ensure the safety of children in such vulnerable situations.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, and the community continues to mourn the loss of the three young lives. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the need for vigilance in safeguarding homes and loved ones from fire-related tragedies.
