Three children died tragically after a house fire destroyed their family home in Kahuho village, Kabete, on Monday afternoon.
Kabete police commander Anthony Mbogo confirmed the incident, stating that the victims were 14, 5, and 2 years old.
The fire spread quickly, consuming two residential houses, and the situation was exacerbated by the delayed arrival of the Kiambu County fire engine.
Initial reports indicate that the fire was started by a gas cylinder explosion.
Boniface Mwangi, the children’s bereaved father, described the desperate efforts of neighbors and well-wishers to extinguish the flames, which were ultimately futile.
“It was a gas explosion, and I tried to save my children, but I was unable to,” Mwangi said. “Well-wishers came and tried their best, but it was all in vain.”
He expressed his frustration, saying, “The turnaround time for this county’s fire engine is unacceptable.” The fire brigade arrives when it’s already too late.”
Area MCA Kamau Thumbi shared Mwangi’s concerns, describing his own struggles to mobilize emergency services.
“I called three different fire departments. The Kikuyu unit had broken down, the Kiambaa one was engaged, and the Kiambu fire engine arrived late,” Thumbi said.
Thumbi urged the county government to fulfill its promise to provide a fire engine for the area, which was made two years ago. “We are experiencing too many fire incidents in this area, and something must be done,” he emphasized.
In another incident, a 93-year-old man died in a fire at his home in Ngecha, Limuru.
