Family of Four Buried Together After Fatal Blaze

Four members of the same family were buried in a single grave this week in Kirinyaga County following a fire that destroyed their home in Ngurubani on 16 August.

Julius Mwangi, 62, his wife Winnie Njoki, 49, and their daughters Grace Wawira, 15, and Ivyjune Njeri, 4, died after a fire engulfed their rented house in the Maisha Kamili area of Ngurubani town during the early hours of the morning. Njoki and the children died at the scene, while Mwangi was admitted to Mwea Mission Hospital with serious burns and died nearly two weeks later.

The burial took place at Kasarani Public Cemetery and was attended by hundreds of mourners, including relatives, neighbours, and local leaders. The service was led by an interdenominational clergy team and served as both a farewell and a public expression of grief over the loss of the family.

Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected case of arson. Initial reports indicated that the fire may have followed a domestic dispute. A night watchman told investigators he heard the couple arguing shortly before the blaze began. However, the investigation has since taken a different turn.

According to Tebere Ward MCA Peter Karinga, Mwangi reportedly made a statement from his hospital bed before his death, claiming the family was attacked by unknown individuals prior to the fire. This account has prompted further inquiries by police, who are yet to release definitive findings. During the funeral, family members and local officials urged the authorities to pursue a full investigation.

“It is very painful to bury four loved ones at once,” said Hellen Maina, a relative. “Sammy Mwangi, the elder son, has now been left alone. Let us all support him, his wife, and children.”

Funeral arrangements were coordinated by Martin Muthiga, and the release of Mwangi’s body from the mortuary was made possible through the support of Kenya Seed Company chairperson Purity Wangui Ngirici, who cleared the outstanding hospital bills. Family spokesperson Peter Kabibu acknowledged the assistance, noting that the burial would have been delayed without it.