Couple left homeless, seriously injured after gas cylinder fire in Mwea

The victims, 45-year-old Grace Njoki and her husband, Elijah Muthike, sustained serious burns in the incident, which residents said was caused by a gas cylinder exploding inside the house.

The fire destroyed the couple’s belongings, leaving them with nowhere to sleep and forcing them to seek temporary shelter with neighbours.

Residents, led by Damaris Munene and Catherine Muriithi, said the couple lost nearly everything in the blaze, including household items and important personal documents.

The residents said the loss was particularly painful because the couple had not yet completed payments for the gas cylinder, which they had acquired through a loan scheme known locally as mkopo.

Speaking from her hospital bed at Kagio Private Hospital, Njoki said the fire had left the family with nothing.

“Books for the children, birth certificates and other documents have been destroyed. We need help,” she said, fighting back tears.

The couple is currently receiving treatment for their injuries as residents and well-wishers appeal for assistance to help them meet their medical needs and rebuild their lives after the fire.

Residents have called for support in replacing the family’s essential belongings and helping them secure temporary accommodation as they recover.