Six people, including a mother and her four children were burned beyond recognition in a suspected arson in Bulapesa, Isiolo County.
Six people, including a mother and her four children were burned beyond recognition and two houses razed in two separate incidents in Bulapesa, Isiolo County. The incidents have left the local community in shock.
The tragedy struck on Tuesday night when fire broke out in a house belonging to Ms Halima Warri trapping her and her four children inside.
Senior Chief Abdi Dida said efforts by residents to rescue the five were unsuccessful as strong winds fanned the flames and no fire engine was available to contain the blaze.
“Unfortunately, the mother and her children died in the incident. There was no fire engine available to contain the inferno, and residents also failed to extinguish it,” Mr Dida said.
In a tragic turn of events, angry residents on Wednesday morning lynched a woman suspected of starting the fire, reportedly in a case involving a love triangle.
“The suspect’s house was also set on fire and completely destroyed. We received information that the mob intended to harm the suspect’s children who were at school. We have deployed police officers to the school to prevent an attack. The children will also be placed in safe custody,” the chief added.
Chief Dida warned residents against resorting to extrajudicial means and urged peaceful coexistence.
Mr Omar Gabra, a local resident, condemned the events terming them a “strange and tragic occurrence.”
“When there are differences, we must resolve our issues soberly. It is very sad that we have lost six lives due to a dispute. This is a matter that could have been settled by elders,” Mr Gabra said.
Another resident Mohamed Tubi called for a thorough investigation into the suspected arson that wiped out nearly an entire family, leaving only one surviving son who is in secondary school.
“We understand the woman had previously reported threats against her life. The police must get to the bottom of this matter and uncover what truly led to the deaths of the mother and her innocent children,” Mr.Tubi said.
All the victims were laid to rest on Wednesday morning in accordance with Islamic burial rites.
