A family tragedy unfolded in Ngurubani town, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, after a man killed his wife and two children before attempting to take his own life.
Police and residents said the incident happened late Friday night, August 15, when neighbours were startled by loud screams coming from the suspect’s home.
Moments later, the man emerged from the house with a rope tied around his neck and severe burns on his body, indicating he had tried to end his life.
Alarmed residents rushed inside and discovered three bodies—believed to be his wife and children—burnt beyond recognition.
The bodies were taken to the mortuary for autopsy while the suspect was rushed to hospital under police guard. Investigators said he will be interrogated once he stabilises, before facing possible charges of murder and arson.
In a separate incident in Kithunguriri area, Kianjokoma, Embu County, police reported that a 41-year-old man, Boniface Mwaniki, died by suicide after setting his house on fire. Locals said Mwaniki had earlier quarreled with his wife, who left shortly before the blaze.
Meanwhile, detectives in Nyandarua Central have arrested four suspects linked to the killing of a young girl in Mugumo village. The arrests, made on Saturday, followed a tip-off from members of the public.
Police said the body of the girl was found dumped in a bush with multiple injuries, including to the head. It was moved to the mortuary pending autopsy.
The suspects, aged 49, 42, 36, and 28, are being held as investigations continue. Detectives are probing whether the girl was sexually assaulted before her death.
The cases have heightened concerns among residents, who say murders targeting women and children are on the rise in the region. Police have pledged to intensify patrols and investigations to curb the violence.
