Two Children Die in Homa Bay House Fire as Mother Allegedly Takes Her Own Life
A family in Homa Bay County has been struck by tragedy after two children died in a house fire while their mother was later found dead near the homestead.
Residents gather at the scene of a tragic house fire in Kong'onge Village, Homa Bay County, where two children lost their lives while two others survived. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Residents of Kong’onge Village in Rachuonyo West Sub-County, Homa Bay County, are reeling from shock following a tragic incident in which two children died in a house fire while their mother was later found dead after an apparent suicide.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a 30-year-old woman, identified as Veronica Anyango, allegedly set her house ablaze while her four children were inside. Her husband and other family members had reportedly attended a church service at the time.
According to neighbour Millicent Ochieng, she noticed smoke rising from the family’s home and rushed to investigate after hearing children screaming from inside.
“I was at my home when I saw smoke coming from the house. When I went to check and opened the door, which had been locked from the outside, two children, a boy and a girl, ran out,” she said.
She explained that by the time she reached the scene, the fire had already spread rapidly through the house.
“I raised an alarm and villagers came to help, but the fire had already engulfed the house. Unfortunately, the other two children could not be rescued,” she added.
The two children who escaped survived and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while their younger siblings, aged one and three, died in the blaze.
Neighbours said the incident may have been linked to domestic disagreements within the family, although authorities have not confirmed the allegations.
“It is possible the couple had domestic issues, but everything appeared normal earlier that morning. We are still trying to understand what led to this tragedy,” said resident David Ochieng.
Another villager, Moses Otieno, said he discovered the woman’s body near the homestead after arriving at the scene.
“I saw the house burning and went closer. At first, I thought someone was standing near a tree talking on the phone, but later realized it was a woman hanging from a rope,” he recounted.
Senior Assistant Chief Alfred Mbara confirmed the incident and said preliminary investigations suggest the woman may have locked the children inside the house before the fire started.
“We believe there may have been domestic challenges in the family. The husband had gone to church before the incident occurred. Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths,” Mbara said.
Police have launched investigations into the tragedy as the community mourns the loss of the two children.
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