At least seven people have tragically lost their lives in a series of fire incidents reported in different parts of Kenya. The most devastating of the incidents occurred in Bulapesa, Isiolo County, where a suspected arson attack claimed the lives of five members from the same family.
Among those killed in the Bulapesa tragedy were a 45-year-old woman, her three children aged between seven and fifteen, and a cousin.
All five victims were trapped inside their house when the fire broke out, making it impossible for them to escape. Neighbours who rushed to help were too late to save them.
According to locals, the fire may have been a deliberate act of revenge linked to a love triangle dispute. This belief sparked outrage in the community, leading to the lynching of a woman suspected to be behind the deadly fire. The mob then proceeded to torch the woman’s house in retaliation.
Following Islamic customs, the five family members were buried promptly. The tragedy left behind a heartbroken family and only one surviving child — a son currently in Form Four — who was not present at the time of the fire.
Police have since launched investigations into the suspected arson, the mob justice killing, and the full circumstances surrounding the fire. Authorities are working to establish the truth behind what led to the heartbreaking loss of life.
In addition to the Isiolo incident, two other fires occurred in Nairobi and Nyeri counties, resulting in further fatalities and widespread property damage.
In Nyeri County, tragedy struck in Mathira Constituency when a fire broke out at night in a two-bedroom house, killing two young children aged four and eight. The fire started in the room where the children were sleeping.
Despite attempts to save them, the blaze quickly engulfed the room, leaving no chance for rescue. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, and investigations by local authorities are ongoing to determine how it started.
In Nairobi’s Kamukunji area, a separate fire broke out early on the morning of Wednesday, July 16, leaving hundreds of residents devastated. The fire, which began at dawn, spread rapidly and reduced many houses to ashes.
Witnesses claim that the fire was started by unidentified individuals who placed burning tires under a container. The flames then spread from the container to nearby structures, worsening the situation.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when electric cables caught fire and exploded, causing the flames to grow even more intense. Residents were left helpless as the fire consumed their homes and belongings.
Frustrated residents blamed the Nairobi County fire department for arriving late at the scene. Many said that the delay cost them nearly everything they owned. One resident, speaking through tears, lamented, “The biggest problem was how long it took the fire brigade to get here. Even after they arrived, setting up took too long, and by then, the fire had already destroyed everything.”
The local area chairman stated that the community had tried to contain the fire before the arrival of the firefighters, but their efforts were no match for the growing flames.
By sunrise, dozens of families — including mothers with children — were seen sitting on the roadside, surrounded by the few possessions they were able to rescue. Many appeared in shock, unsure of their next move or how they would rebuild their lives from the rubble.
Authorities have promised full investigations into all the fire incidents, and emergency services have urged communities to report any suspicious activities that may help prevent future tragedies.
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