Tragedy Strikes Kapcheluch Village as House Fire Claims Lives of Two Young Siblings

Kapcheluch Village, Bomet County — A quiet afternoon turned into a scene of unspeakable tragedy on Friday when a fire engulfed a modest family home in Kapcheluch Village, claiming the lives of two young siblings.

The children, aged just 7 and 2, were alone in their timber-built, three-room house when the fire broke out around 3:00 PM. Their mother, a local farmer, had stepped out briefly to tend to work on the nearby farm, unaware that her world would be shattered in moments.

According to Teganda Assistant Chief John Tonui, neighbors noticed smoke billowing from the home and rushed to help. Despite their desperate efforts, the blaze quickly consumed the wooden structure, leaving nothing but charred remains. Tragically, the children were burned beyond recognition.

By the time police officers and a fire engine from Silibwet Police Station arrived, the fire had already reduced the house to ashes.

“The fire spread too fast. The community did all they could, but it was already too late,” said Chief Tonui.

Inside the rubble, investigators recovered two cooking gas cylinders and a charcoal stove. While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, authorities are treating the scene with urgency. A team of investigators has been deployed, said Bomet County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga.

The children’s bodies have been taken to Longisa County Hospital morgue, where grieving family members have gathered, seeking answers—and solace.

Commander Imbwaga issued a heartfelt plea to parents in the community, urging them not to leave young children unattended at home, especially in houses where fire sources like gas and charcoal are present.

As Kapcheluch mourns, the village is grappling not only with the loss but also with the sobering reality of just how quickly life can change. What began as an ordinary day ended in heartache for a mother who simply stepped out to provide for her family—and returned to find it gone.