Shock and grief have gripped Ngurubani town in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, after a man allegedly murdered his wife and two children before setting their house ablaze in a disturbing case of domestic violence.
The incident happened late at night, with terrified neighbors jolted awake by piercing screams coming from the suspectβs home. Witnesses say what followed was chaos and horror, as the familyβs cries for help filled the air.
According to residents, the man is believed to have attacked his wife with a knife in the presence of their children. Neighbors reported hearing the children plead for their motherβs life in the final moments.
βNiliskia watu wakigombana kwa nyumbaβ¦nikaskia watoto wakisema βusidunge mama na kisuβ,β said Samuel Mbochi, one of the first people on the scene. Moments later, flames engulfed the house.
Shocked neighbors rushed out of their homes and gathered around as the fire spread. Within minutes, the man stumbled out of the burning house, his body severely burnt and a rope tied around his neck. Residents described him as screaming in agony, appearing to have attempted to hang himself after the attack.
Alarmed villagers quickly called firefighters and police. When the blaze was finally put out, a chilling discovery was made inside. The charred remains of three people β believed to be the wife and the coupleβs two children β were found burnt beyond recognition.
Mercy Wanja, another resident, described the horrifying scene.
βNaskia soja alisema kulikuwa na mzozo juu usiku mzima wamelala wakipiganaβ¦mzee mwenye huko ametoka nje kama amefungwa kamba akiwa anachomeka wakamzima hata nguo zake ziko paleβ¦wazima moto wameingia ndani wamepata miili tatu, watoto wawili na mtu mzima,β she recounted.
Police officers who arrived at the scene immediately secured the area as stunned residents looked on. The bodies of the victims were taken to the morgue, while the suspect was rushed to hospital under tight security. Authorities say he is in critical condition and will face charges once declared fit to stand trial.
Investigators believe the tragedy may have been sparked by a domestic dispute that escalated fatally. Neighbors said the couple had a history of quarrels, though few imagined the disagreements would end in such brutal violence.
The attack has left Ngurubani residents shaken. Many described the family as known in the area, though troubled by constant arguments. βIt is shocking that a man could turn against his own children and wife in this way,β said one villager. Others expressed anger that warning signs were ignored and pleaded for more community interventions to prevent domestic violence.
Police say they are gathering witness statements and forensic evidence to piece together the final hours leading up to the killings. The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court after recovery.
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