Five family members set on fire

Five people from one family were burnt to death in an arson attack in Kitui County Friday night. 

A widow, her three children and her mother-in-law, were burnt beyond recognition when the house they were sleeping in was set on fire by a gang.

Mrs Mukene Mbuvi, whose husband Mbuvi Mwango died two months ago, died alongside her mother-in-law Kavingi Mwango who was in the house to mourn, in keeping with Kamba customs. 

The children who died were nine months old baby Janet Mbuvi, Kanini, aged nine and six year-old Sammy.

The arsonists locked the house from outside, doused it with petrol and set it ablaze on Thursday night. The house was completely ruined.

Mutomo police boss Thomas Ngeiywa said the motive of the arson was not yet known, but investigations point to a family land dispute.

Mr Ngeiywa confirmed that they tracked the footprints of some of the attackers to their homes. However, the suspects have disappeared from the village but their wives were helping the police in their inquiries.

“Two plastic containers used to carry the petrol and a match box were recovered at the home, but we are still pursuing the suspects who escaped on foot towards Tsavo national park,” he told the Nation on phone. 

Mr Ngeiywa said the two suspects were close relatives of the deceased’s family. The sleepy village was in shock as relatives and friends were still mourning Mr Mwango but now have to prepare for the funeral of others.

Elimination plot
Mutha county rep Kithikii Kavindi, said Mr Mwango died as he was being taken to hospital in “baffling” circumstances. 

“Mr Mwango complained of chest pains even though he was not coughing but died as he was being taken to Mutomo mission hospital by his wife,” the county legislator said.

Another neighbour, Dominic Mwamisi, talked of “a bigger plan to eliminate the entire family” but did not elaborate.