Seven Kenyan Family Members Killed in a House Fire in Embu

Seven family members lost their lives after a fire damaged their home in Runyenjes, Embu County early Sunday morning.

Police said the victims including a father, mother, two daughters, a son, and two grandchildren, were burned beyond recognition inside the three-bedroom timber house. They were sleeping when the house went up in flames.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the inferno, Embu East Deputy County Commissioner Jane Waruinge told reporters.

“Until now we haven’t been able to establish the cause of the fire but all our officers including those from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are here,” Waruinge stated.

Area MP Muchangi Karemba said the cause of the fire is not known, but investigations are ongoing.

“The cause is not established. Crime scene officers have commenced investigations to unravel this sad occurrence. We urge anyone with information to volunteer it to our officers to speed up the process of investigations,” Karemba said.

The victims have been identified as Charles Kariuki (50) his wife Catherine Wanjiru (45), their children Judy Wanjiru (25), Mary Ann Murungi (13), Joel Njeru (7), and grandchildren Tumaini Blessing Wanjiru (5) and Prince Baraka (3).