Pain and tears as 4 family members killed in house fire buried in Kirinyaga

Emotions ran high at Kasarani village in Thiba Ward, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, during the burial of four family members who perished in a fire incident at Ngurubani town two weeks ago.

The victims were Julius Mwangi, 62, his wife Winnie Njoki, 49, and their two children, Grace Wawira, 15, and Ivyjune Njeri, 4. The four were laid to rest in a single grave at Kasarani village cemetery.

Njoki and her two daughters were burnt beyond recognition when their rented house caught fire on August 16, 2025. Mwangi, who managed to escape with severe burns, later died on August 29, 2025 while receiving treatment at Mwea Mission Hospital.

During the emotional funeral service held at Kasarani village grounds and led by an interdenominational team of clergy, speakers called for investigations into the cause of the fire. Tebere Ward MCA, Peter Karinga, revealed that Mwangi had recorded a statement while in hospital, claiming that the family had been attacked by unknown assailants before the fire broke out.

Family members, led by Hellen Maina, described the day as one of the darkest in their lives. “It is very painful to bury four loved ones at once. Sammy Mwangi, the elder son, has now been left alone. Let us all support him, his wife, and children,” Mrs. Maina said.

The four caskets were lowered into one grave in a sombre ceremony attended by relatives, friends, and community members. The family expressed gratitude to all who had come to their aid, particularly Martin Muthiga, who coordinated the funeral arrangements, and Kenya Seed Company chairperson Purity Wangui Ngirici, who settled the mortuary bills.

“If it were not for Wangui Ngirici’s intervention, Mwangi’s body would not have been released from Mwea Mission Hospital,” said family spokesperson Peter Kabibu.

The tragic fire incident remains under investigation as the community struggles to come to terms with the devastating loss.