KIRINYAGA COUNTY (IP)
Two young brothers, ages three and five, were killed Monday morning when a large tree branch collapsed onto their home in Kirinyaga County while they were preparing for school, authorities confirmed.
The victims, whose father identified them as brothers were under their grandmother’s care and were having tea before leaving home when the tragedy occurred, said their grandfather, Dominic Muriuki.
“I was shocked to find my two grandsons lying helpless on the ground, still dressed in their school uniforms,” Muriuki said.
Neighbour Patrick Wambugu rushed the boys to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival, officials said.
The home in question is owned by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), and Muriuki said that the family had repeatedly written to the agency, raising concerns about the unstable tree.
“We have been writing letters and lodging complaints asking them to cut down that tree, but our cries were ignored. Now it has taken the lives of my grandchildren,” the grandmother said, weeping.
Nyangati Location Chief Immaculate Wanjiru confirmed that a sizeable branch broke off and struck the house.
Wang’uru detectives arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and have launched investigations.
The family and community are calling for accountability, demanding to know why prior warnings were not acted upon and whether legal measures will follow.
Many residents expressed outrage over the apparent negligence in the face of repeated appeals for action.
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