- James Nyaga was burnt beyond recognition in his home in Mburi village, with residents suspecting foul play after his house was locked from outside during the fire
- Nyaga’s family, led by his sister, accused his estranged wife of starting the fire following frequent fights fueled by illicit brew consumption
- A local elder urged police to investigate, noting that Nyaga was found near the door with a hammer, suggesting he attempted to escape the fire
- Neighbours blamed the couple’s excessive drinking for the tragedy, with some alleging that the wife locked the house after an intoxicated altercation
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Kirinyaga – Residents of Mburi village in Gichugu constituency are struggling to come to terms with the tragic death of a middle-aged man.
Source: Youtube
James Nyaga was burnt beyond recognition after his house was consumed by fire while he was locked from the inside.
The police confirmed the incident, saying they received the report from family members led by his mother, Margaret Wakarii.
The family explained that their efforts to put out the fire did not succeed after they were alerted by neighbours about the inferno.
According to residents, the 41-year-old man is alleged to have been fighting with his estranged wife, who allegedly left her matrimonial home after a disagreement.
Nyaga’s sister claimed that the two would brew the illicit drink and start fighting after consuming it.
She insisted that her brother’s wife must be investigated, accusing her of starting the fire that eventually killed him.
I am very saddened because of how he married his wife here; they were constantly fighting; they were fighting every day and drinking. The issue is that the one he married was drinking, so they were brewing and drinking, then they would start fighting. We did not even have peace. Firstly, his wife should be investigated because she knows. If she was here, why did she leave her home?” she insisted.
Why does Nyaga’s family suspect foul play
A local elder urged the police to investigate the matter and ensure Nyaga’s family found justice as they insisted it was an arson attack.
He pointed out that the deceased was found next to the door with a hammer in hand, suggesting he had tried to save himself.
“I want to call upon security apparatus to investigate this and to ensure that Nyagah and his family get their justice because looking at this house, even if it burned down, we are suspicious. This is because we see the place where Nyagah fell is by the door and he had a hammer. So it is like someone who went to bed at night and another person locked from outside, and this happened,” said a local elder.
The neighbours were in agreement that illicit brew was to blame for the death, with others alleging the estranged wife locked the house after they fought while inebriated.
Woman killed in pastor’s house
In another tragic incident, a 45-year-old woman was discovered severely burned in a residence reportedly owned by a preacher.
According to reports, the preacher and his wife had gone to the Anglican Church in Mwea, where they fulfilled their ministry duties.
Residents reported that the area assistant chief informed the clergyman about the incident once he learned of the situation.
Source: TUKO.co.ke