Tragedy in Ngachara-Naari : Retired Soldier Burnt to Death as Fire Razes Down Seven Bedroom House
By Brian Gitonga
A night fire in Ngachara village, Buuri Constituency, has claimed the life of a retired Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer after his seven-bedroom house was burnt to ashes under unclear circumstances.
The deceased, identified by residents as David is alleged to have been alone in the house at the time of the incident. His body was burnt beyond recognition, with residents and local authorities confirming that no one was able to rescue him from the inferno.
Nicholus Mutethia, a resident of the area, said he received information that a house was on fire and immediately rushed to the scene with other neighbors. However, their efforts to control the fire were unsuccessful.
“I was informed there was a house burning and when we got there, the fire had already spread too much, and we couldn’t put it off,” said Mutethia.
Residents are now calling for improved emergency response infrastructure in Buuri Constituency. They have appealed to both the national and Meru County governments to station a fire engine within the area, saying that the absence of one in the constituency makes them vulnerable to similar tragedies.
“If there is a fire engine here at Kiirua, these houses wouldn’t have burnt down. We appeal to our Member of Parliament Mugambi Rindikiri and Governor Mutuma to look unto us and help us get a fire engine in this constituency,” said a resident.
In addition the residents lamented about poor road conditions which they said were a major hindrance to rescue operations. They specifically cited the road from Site to Gitimene to Kiirua which they claim is in a poor state therefore delaying any form of emergency intervention.
“Our road from Site to Gitimene to Kiirua is in a bad shape, and it hinders rescue efforts because the fire engine cannot get here on time. We as the people of Naari ask our MP Mugambi Rindikiri to look at us and repair this road,” they said.
Confirming the incident, Gitimene Sub-location Assistant Chief John Marete, expressed his condolences to the family and community narrating how he learnt of the incident and the efforts they put in place.
“I was called and informed of this tragedy. When I arrived here, I found that the house of Mr. David, a retired KDF soldier, was burning down. I called the firefighters who came and tried to save the house, but it was too late and the owner died in the fire,” said Marete.
The tragedy has left the residents devastated, with locals mourning the loss of a man they describe as a disciplined and respected member of society.
