Kisii Town, Kenya, Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – A domestic attempt to eliminate bedbugs turned tragic at Daraja Mbili Market in Kisii Town after a man’s use of a lighter near a gas cylinder caused a deadly explosion.
According to police reports, the incident happened on September 8 at the African Home Apartment in Galana Estate. Witnesses said the man lit a lighter in an effort to kill bedbugs inside his home. The flame sparked a fire after coming into contact with a leaking gas cylinder.
His wife, identified as Esther Cathrene, 35, was burnt beyond recognition. The man sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police officers responding to the scene confirmed that the fire destroyed the third-floor apartment before it was contained.
Two Separate Drowning Incidents in Eldoret and Narok
In Uasin Gishu County, tragedy struck again when a man drowned at Ngeria Dam in Megun, Kiambaa. Police identified the victim as Francis Kemboi, 40, a school driver at Ngeria West Academy.
Witnesses told Nation that Kemboi had gone to the dam with his three children to wash his school van. After cleaning the vehicle, he encouraged his children to wait inside as he swam. Sadly, he drowned in the deep section of the dam.
Attempts by his children and a man assisting with the car wash failed to save him. The body could not be retrieved immediately as it sank overnight. Divers from the Uasin Gishu County Government were later called in to recover it. Locals are now urging authorities to improve safety measures at the dam to prevent similar accidents.
Meanwhile, in Narok County, residents discovered a body floating in the Amalo River near Olerai Farm. Police confirmed the victim as Winnie Siele, who had been missing for three days.
According to Citizen Digital, locals spotted the body on September 9 and notified officers. The remains, which had no visible injuries, were moved to a nearby mortuary for autopsy and further investigations.
Rising Concern Over Domestic and Public Safety
The series of tragic events underscores the need for improved domestic safety awareness and public safety regulations. Fire experts warn against using open flames such as lighters to fumigate insects, as gas leaks can turn deadly. Similarly, county officials in both Uasin Gishu and Narok are being urged to put stronger preventive measures in place around open water bodies.
