A deep sense of sorrow has gripped Gachie Village in Kiambaa Constituency, Kiambu County, after a devastating fire claimed the lives of three young siblings on Saturday night.
The heartbreaking incident occurred in the dead of night, when the blaze, which began around 1:00 a.m., quickly engulfed the family home, leaving two girls, aged four and two, and their one-year-old brother burnt beyond recognition.
A fourth child, an eight-year-old boy, narrowly escaped the inferno but is now being treated for injuries.
Residents, led by Dickson Juma, rushed to the scene, desperately trying to contain the flames with little success.
Their efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire, and despite their urgent calls for help, the Kiambu County fire engine arrived far too late.
By the time the firefighters reached the scene, the fire had already claimed everything including the precious lives of the three children.
The house’s owner, John Ombasi, a night guard, was informed of the tragedy while on duty.
He arrived to find what remained of his house: a heap of ashes.
The children’s mother, Cynthia, was away at the time of the incident, working to support her family as a single parent.
Brenda Akumu, a neighbor, explained that Cynthia had left the children at home, trusting they would be safe in the night.
MCA Kabau Muthondu, speaking at the scene, confirmed that the remains of the three deceased children had been taken to Kihara Level Four Hospital for postmortem examinations.
The surviving boy is currently being treated at the same hospital for his injuries.
In his address, Muthondu urged parents and guardians to never leave children unattended, especially at night.
He emphasized the importance of seeking assistance from trusted neighbors or friends in cases where leaving children alone becomes unavoidable.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and police have launched an investigation to determine what triggered the blaze.
