Middle-aged man locks himself in house and sets it ablaze

By Antony Gitonga

Residents of Kinangop in Nyandarua County are in shock after a middle aged man locked himself in his house and set it ablaze.

The 35-year-old man from Gathara village died during the incident as area residents tried to come to terms with the act.

Incidentally the man had earlier tried to commit suicide by stabbing himself in the stomach but was rushed to a nearby medical facility where he was treated.

According to neighbor identified as Wambugu, trouble started earlier in the week when the deceased tried to kill his mother.

He told how area residents intervened and warned him of dire consequences and the issue was resolved.

“The man who has not married went berserk and even cut his leg with an axe before the issue was resolved,” he said.

But on Wednesday morning the man stabbed himself over unknown reasons according to the witness and was rushed to hospital.

Wambugu said that the man was referred to Naivasha district hospital for specialized treatment but due to time they decided to take him the following day.

“We were shocked when he locked himself in the house at around 10pm and set it on fire burning down the house and he died in the process,” he said.

Nyandarua South OCPD Samson Munyao confirmed the incident noting that investigations had started.

He noted that nothing was salvaged from the timber house adding that the man was burned beyond recognition.

“The body has been collected and taken to Naivasha district hospital mortuary as inventions into the incident continue,” he said.