Four members of a family are fighting for their lives after an estranged lover allegedly set their home on fire in Mukuru kwa Njenga’s Boma Yangu Estate in Nairobi, in an attack that claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night, when the suspect reportedly attacked the family while they were asleep.
According to relatives of Roseline Mokaya, the suspect locked the family inside their house using a padlock, poured petrol around the apartment, and set it ablaze.
Speaking from Kenyatta National Hospital, where she is receiving treatment, Mokaya said four family members were rescued by residents.
However, Mary Nyamoita, aged eight, died after jumping from the seventh floor of the building while trying to escape the raging fire.
Police officers who arrived at the scene later moved the child’s body to the mortuary after being alerted by neighbors.
Reports indicate that the suspect, identified as Ronald Anyona, a boda boda rider, had been in a relationship with the children’s mother before the incident.
Family members allege that he began making inappropriate advances toward her children and, after being confronted, planned the deadly attack.
Investigators revealed that the suspect allegedly fueled his motorcycle at a petrol station and fled without paying before heading to the family’s residence. CCTV footage from the area reportedly shows him arriving with petrol on the night of the incident.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is still at large, as investigations into the horrifying attack continue.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many Kenyans calling for swift justice and stronger protections for families affected by domestic and gender-based violence.
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