Police in Kabete constituency, Kiambu County, are investigating a tragic incident in Nyathuna village where two children died in a fire that engulfed a plot of 12 houses, leaving them burnt beyond recognition.

Reports indicate that the four-year-old girl and her two-year-old brother, sought refuge beneath their bed when the fire broke out, but they were unable to escape the flames.

According to the neighbors, the children’s mother had left for work early in the morning, leaving them unattended inside the house.

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The screams and thick smoke alerted residents, prompting them to rush to the scene to help the tenants.

“Despite extensive efforts, the fire caused significant damage to the tenants’ belongings, hindering our attempts to extinguish it,” Lillian Nyambura, a resident, stated.”

“People eventually realized that a woman residing in one of the houses habitually left her children unattended when she went to work. By the time the police and firefighters arrived, their bodies were discovered disfigured,” she added.

The incident was confirmed by the area senior chief David Kimani, who thanked the residents for their tireless efforts in trying to contain the fire.

“If it weren’t for the tireless work of the residents, the loss would have been greater. The firefighters also provided considerable assistance,” Kimani said.

Kimani urged parents residing in rental houses to take responsibility when leaving for work, advising them to arrange alternative childcare through trusted neighbors, close relatives, or by enrolling their children in daycare centers for their safety.

“We appeal to parents to ensure their children are cared for when at home. Anything can happen, and they require someone to attend to them,” the chief emphasized.