Families in the cold after fire burns houses in Trans Nzoia
One of the houses burnt by a mysterious fire in Kaibei, in Trans Nzoia County. More than 25 families have been left homeless as a result of the fire. PHOTO | PHILIP BWAYO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- They believe that the fire is as a result of a failure by the owners of the jinni to offer periodic sacrifices.
- Endebess Deputy County Commissioner Peter Maina said the government will help them rebuild their houses.
- Kenya Red Cross Society is collecting foodstuffs and other items to help the victims.
More than 25 families residing in Kaibei, in Trans Nzoia County have been left homeless after a mysterious fire burnt their houses on Thursday.
The residents attributed the mysterious fire to evil spirits, claiming that it originated from a ray that was seen on top of one of the houses which eventually spread to neighbouring houses, consuming everything.
“We saw the ray literally jumping from one house to another. Any attempt to put it out led to its replication leading to a huge fire,” said Mr James Taifa, whose house was reduced to ashes.
The locals claimed that some people in the area have been keeping jinni (supernatural creatures) apparently to shield themselves from witchcraft and theft of their property.
James Taifa, a resident of Kaibei in Trans Nzoia County, speaking to journalists on March 9, 2017. His house was among the 25 burnt in a mysterious fire. PHOTO | PHILIP BWAYO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
ANGRY JINNI
They believe that the fire is as a result of a failure by the owners of the jinni to offer periodic sacrifices as required. They say the jinni burnt the houses of locals in anger.
But Endebess Deputy County Commissioner Peter Maina said the government has no capacity to find a solution to such a problem but can only help locals to rebuild their houses.
“We have left the matter to the elders to handle because the government has no mandate over superstition. Let the elders determine the best way possible to deal with the matter,” said Mr Maina.
Trans Nzoia Kenya Red Cross Chairman Ronald Masindano said they are collecting foodstuffs and other items from well-wishers to assist the affected families.
“We want to put up tents for them. Kitale Businessman Alwin Sasia has promised to give us 25 bags of maize [to help the families] since they have nothing to eat so far,” said Mr Masindano.
