The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Grief engulfed Kasarani village in Thiba Ward, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, as four family members who died in a tragic house fire at Ngurubani town were buried in a single grave on Wednesday.
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The victims were identified as Julius Mwangi, 62, his wife Winnie Njoki, 49, and their daughters Grace Wawira, 15, and Ivyjune Njeri, 4. Njoki and the children died on August 16, 2025, when their rented house went up in flames. Mwangi, who had escaped with severe burns, succumbed 13 days later while undergoing treatment at Mwea Mission Hospital.
The emotional funeral service, conducted by clergy from various denominations, drew relatives, friends, and residents who gathered to mourn the family. Speakers urged authorities to investigate the cause of the blaze, citing Mwangi’s hospital statement in which he alleged the family had been attacked by unknown assailants before the fire.
Family representative Hellen Maina described the day as one of the darkest moments for the family, noting that the surviving son, Sammy Mwangi, had been left behind with his wife and children.
“It is heartbreaking to bury four loved ones at once. We must rally around Sammy and his young family,” she said.
The four coffins were lowered into one grave in a sombre ceremony. Relatives thanked all who supported them, including Martin Muthiga, who coordinated burial plans, and Kenya Seed Company chairperson Purity Wangui Ngirici, who cleared the mortuary expenses.
“If it were not for Wangui Ngirici’s support, Mwangi’s body would not have been released from Mwea Mission Hospital,” said family spokesperson Peter Kabibu.
The tragedy remains under investigation as the community struggles to cope with the devastating loss.
