By Frank Kamuntu
Residents of Kagumo Trading Centre are reeling from anguish following a tragic fire incident that resulted in the loss of two young lives.
The victims, aged 4 years and 4 months, were alone in their home while their mother went out to purchase supper. The blaze consumed the house, leaving the children burnt beyond recognition.
David Kinyua Wangui, Mutira ward member of County Assembly, confirmed the incident upon his immediate arrival at the scene and reported that over 20 rented wooden houses had been completely engulfed in flames, resulting in widespread destruction.
“We are appealing for help, as they have slept in the cold,” said Kinyua.
“Two children have died during the incident, but several people were left homeless,” added another official.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kerugoya Hospital Mortuary for preservation, pending their burial arrangements.
Kirinyaga County Commissioner, Hussein Alasow, disclosed that the fire originated in one of the impacted residences before rapidly spreading to adjacent wooden houses.
Despite this, the root cause of the fire remains undetermined. Alasow mentioned that law enforcement authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile in India, 27 people, including children, were reported dead after a huge fire engulfed an entertainment joint.
Reportedly, the two-storey building hosted over 300 people, including a family that had organised an entertainment party, when the fire broke out.
A senior state official said the government would take the necessary action against those responsible for the fire, including the premises’ owners.