Three members of the same family died after a house caught fire in Murara Village, Runyenjes, Embu County, early on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The victims were two sisters aged between 55 and 60 and their 20-year-old grandchild, who were inside the house when the fire broke out.
According to family members and residents, the fire is believed to have started at around 2.30 a.m. while the three were asleep. The cause of the fire had not been established as investigations continued.
Residents said they rushed to the homestead after hearing screams, but the three victims were trapped inside the burning house. The fire destroyed the house before emergency responders arrived.
“Kitu kama saa nane unusu, tuliamshwa na nduru, watu wakipiga nduru, moto, moto, tukatoka na tukakuta kwa boma imechomeka na watu watatu wakachomekea ndani,” one of the residents, Mark Karangi, said.
(“At around 2:30 a.m., we were awakened by screams, with people shouting, ‘Fire! Fire!’ We rushed outside and found the homestead engulfed in flames, and three people had been burned to death inside,” he said.)
Investigations into the fire continue
Village elder Lawrence Mugambi said he informed the local chief after learning about the incident. He added that police officers later arrived at the scene and carried out their work before the bodies were removed.
“Niliweza kupigia chief, naye police wakakuja na wamefanya mambo yao na mwili imepelekwa mortuary,” Lawrence Mugambi said.
Mugambi also said he had never heard of any disagreements or problems within the affected family. He explained that everyone in the homestead had their own responsibilities and lived peacefully.
“Sijaskia uwovu yoyote kwa hii boma. Kila mtu ako na place yake anafanyia kazi. Sijawai skia wakivurugana,” Mugambi said.
The bodies of the three victims were taken to Embu Level 5 Hospital Mortuary. The incident has left Murara Village in shock following the sudden loss of the three family members, as residents have been trying to come to terms with what happened after the fire claimed the lives of the victims during the night.
As investigations continue, relatives and neighbours have been gathering at the family’s home to mourn those who died and support the bereaved family. Police are expected to continue with investigations to establish how the fire started.
