Security officers in Mwingi town have been accused of laxity by members of public a month after a house was torched in Kivou village, Mwingi Central sub county, leaving one child dead.
Sammy Kilonzo’s house was torched by unknown assailants when they were asleep together with his family a month ago.
The house was being set on fire for the second time as on 28th December last year, the same house was locked from outside as the family was asleep and set on fire.
“My wife sustained burn wounds and was treated at a private hospital in Mwingi,” said Sammy
He then recorded a police statement where police visited the scene, processed and told him to go back home ensuring him investigations would immediately begin and bring perpetrators to book.
After going home, Sammy said that they camped at his neighbor’s house for fear of going to house with the assailants still at large.
“I hired a watchman and my family and I went home,” said Kioko.
A week after they had returned home, a fire broke out in the midnight while they were sleeping.
“The door was locked from outside again and this time they seemed to have poured more petrol before neighbors ran to our rescue, my wife and our daughter had sustained severe burns,” Sammy, who was then hospitalized at a private hospital in Mwingi recalled.
He said his wife and daughter were referred to Kitui following the severe burns where his daughter passed on.
Confirming the incident, Mwingi Central Police Commander Peter Mutuma said the three were admitted in private hospitals in Mwingi and Kitui towns.
“The seven-year-old daughter died at a private hospital in Kitui while receiving treatment,” Mutuma confirmed.
During the burial of the girl on Saturday, emotions went high as locals accused security officers of laxity having not arrested anyone a month after the incident.
Speaking during the emotional burial, Sammy said he had forgiven the assailants and left everything to God to revenge on his behalf.
“It is a very painful moment burying an innocent young soul, but we leave all to God,” he said in tears.
However, Sammy who was accompanied by his first-born daughter aged ten and who had not fully recovered from the burns, said his wife was still hospitalized at a private facility in Kitui in a critical condition and the hospital bill had accumulated to over 300,000 shillings.
Miriam Nzung’u, BEC Knut Mwingi branch urged parents to be more vigilant and accord necessary discipline to children to avoid scenarios of disturbing members of community as witnessed in Kivou a month ago.
“Right now, schools are being burnt down. It is such acts that result to torching of people’s houses once these students’ complete school. I urge parents to help teachers discipline children at early stages to avoid these cases,” said Miriam.
Michael Munyithya, KNUT Executive Mwingi branch said the culprits have not yet been apprehended and urged the security officers to give reports of what is happening.
“We demand justice to the family of Sammy,” said Michael.
Sammy Musili Munyithya, a local leader said the act was unfortunate and more worrying as no one has been arrested concerning the incident.
Musili assured locals to follow up the matter to the relevant authorities and find out what delayed justice to Sammy’s family.
“We do not want our people to run from their homes in fear of such attacks yet the security officers should provide security to our people,” said Sammy.
Condemning the act, he urged the investigative officers to move with and ensure peace is restored.
Mwingi central sub county police commander, Peter Mutuma commenting on the issue said the community members have not yet come out to record statements and so very little can be done without the help of members of public.
“We also lack circumstantial evidence and links that led to the act,” said Mutuma.