2 children burnt to death as woman sets house ablaze in Kajiado ugly marital row

A devastating incident unfolded on Tuesday night in the quiet neighbourhood of Saina estate, located in Kajiado town, as a middle-aged woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, set her matrimonial home ablaze, claiming the lives of her two young children, aged 2 and 10.

The horrifying act, allegedly fueled by a marital dispute, has left the community in shock and mourning.

Reports indicate that the woman, driven by a fit of rage upon discovering that her husband had entered into a second marriage, purportedly locked her innocent children inside their modest two-room iron sheet shanty before deliberately igniting the cooking gas cylinder.

Tragically, the fire spread rapidly, leaving no chance for anyone to rescue the helpless youngsters.

"I heard the girl calling for help but I could not access the bedroom which appeared to be locked from the outside. By that time the fire had spread throughout the house," a neighbour said.

Neighbours, who were startled by the escalating flames, rushed to the scene and witnessed the heart-wrenching sight of the mother emerging from the inferno with severe burns.

Displaying remarkable courage, they managed to rescue her and swiftly transported her to the Kajiado Referral Hospital, where she is currently fighting for her life.

Regrettably, nothing could be salvaged from the devastating fire, leaving the grieving community in utter despair.

The loss of innocent lives within this low-class settlement on the outskirts of Kajiado town has cast a somber shadow over the entire locality.

Insight into the tragic incident reveals that the couple had been plagued by ongoing conflicts, primarily stemming from the wife's accusations of her husband's extramarital affairs.

Their tumultuous relationship ultimately culminated in this horrifying act of arson, with the husband absent from the scene at the time of the incident.

Expressing their discontent, members of the public have placed blame on the local county government's fire department for their alleged failure to respond promptly and extinguish the fire.

In a heartfelt plea, a resident of the area lamented the absence of a fire engine, which could have potentially saved the lives of innocent children and prevented the extensive property damage.

"It is so painful that we watched helplessly as the fire raged. A fire engine could have saved the children's lives or property. They did not come," the resident said.

Drawing attention to the larger issue at hand, Area MCA John Loisa, who visited the scene to offer condolences and support, urged couples facing marital problems to seek help instead of resorting to violence, as it is the children who ultimately suffer the consequences.

He emphasized the importance of seeking assistance and resolving disputes amicably, thus preventing further tragedies such as this heartrending incident.

Confirming the distressing occurrence, Kajiado Central Sub County Police Commander Daudi Loronyokwe stated that the bodies of the deceased children had been transported to the mortuary at the referral hospital, while the mother is currently recuperating in the same medical facility.

The entire community remains devastated by this horrific event, grappling with the loss of two innocent lives and reflecting upon the underlying issues that led to such a devastating outcome.

As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for stronger support networks, counselling services, and community interventions to help couples navigate the complexities of marital conflicts, ultimately preventing irreparable tragedies from befalling innocent children.