Tragedy Strikes Gathagara Village as Fire Claims Lives of Two Young Children

By Collins Wasike 

 A somber mood hangs over Gathagara village in Kihari following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of two young siblings, aged four and two, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

According to local authorities, the blaze broke out at around 2 a.m., engulfing the family’s wooden home while the children were asleep. Their parents, who were reportedly outside attending to livestock, rushed back upon hearing neighbors’ screams—but the inferno had already spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds and the timber structure.

Despite frantic efforts by villagers to extinguish the flames using water and sand, the fire proved too intense. By the time it was brought under control, the house had been reduced to ashes, and the children’s lives tragically lost.

Murang’a County emergency services arrived shortly after, confirming the fatalities and launching an investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest it may have been sparked by a faulty kerosene lamp.

Local leaders have called for increased awareness around fire safety and urged the county government to support the grieving family. “This is a heartbreaking loss. We must do more to prevent such tragedies,” said one area elder.

As the village mourns, neighbors have begun mobilizing support, offering food, clothing, and shelter to the bereaved family. The children will be laid to rest later this wee7k, wied to attend the funeral(