An elderly couple has been burned to death at Yala village, Kawino Sub Location, Rachuonyo South Sub County in Homabay County.
Joseph Onunga Kere, 70, and his wife Judith Mucha were burned beyond recognition after the fire broke out in their house as they were sleeping.
The incident was detected by the neighbours at around 2 am on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. However, their attempt to rescue the two proved futile since, upon their arrival, they found that the building was already down.
According to the area assistant chief, Erick Opere, he got a call from one of the neighbours who informed him about the incident; however, upon arrival at the scene, they had little to do but to watch in dismay as the two were being burned.
The administrator said the couple used to stay in their home since all year children and their families stay in Nairobi.
“I got a call at around 2 am, then I immediately rushed to the scene; however, upon arrival, I found that the rooftop had already sunk and there was nothing but to watch in horror as the two burned,” he said.
Additionally, Opere said the incident is the second one to be witnessed in the family; however, during the first attempt to burn the home, it was detected before it could happen.
“During the first incident, which was suspected to be an attempt to eliminate the two, an unknown jerrycan full of petrol was discovered in the couple’s house before any incident could occur,“ he added.
He added that nothing was salvaged from the house following a heavy heat that was emanating from the burning building.
The police took the two bodies to the Rachuonyo South Sub County Hospital mortuary for preservation.
