Police in Kyua, Machakos County, are investigating an incident in which a suspected arsonist allegedly doused his estranged wife and her daughter with petrol before setting their house ablaze, killing the child and leaving the woman with severe burns.
An enraged mob later attacked a woman suspected to have aided the suspect, setting her on fire. She is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital with serious burn injuries.
The incident has sparked outrage in the area.
According to area Assistant Chief Antony Kilundo, the suspect married the injured woman in 2025, but the couple separated in March 2026.
Kilundo said the suspect resurfaced on Friday last week after months of silence and called his ex-wife shortly before the attack on her rented house at Masaani Market.
“The suspect, identified as Pius Nzamba, called his ex-wife at around 11 p.m. but disconnected before she could answer,” Kilundo said.
Moments later, the house in which the woman and her daughter were sleeping burst into flames, prompting screams for help.
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Neighbours responded and rescued the two before rushing them to Kitui Level 4 Hospital. They were later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where the 14-year-old girl, a pupil at Kyua Junior Secondary School, was pronounced dead on arrival.
Her mother, Annah Maua, 55, remains hospitalised in critical condition.
Kilundo said the suspect had allegedly contacted the woman later attacked by the mob to help him secure a motorcycle rider after he reportedly failed to get transport to the scene.
“The woman was lynched because of her alleged role in assisting the suspect,” Kilundo said.
He added that, in recent days, the same woman had allegedly called Nzamba’s ex-wife and warned her that she would “do something that will shake Masaani Market”.
The assistant chief condemned mob justice and urged residents to allow police to handle the matter.
“I urge residents not to take the law into their own hands, but instead report such incidents to the police. Security agencies are mandated to enforce the law, and anyone found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Kilundo described the child’s death as avoidable and urged members of the public to seek lawful avenues for resolving disputes.
He said police had launched a manhunt for the suspect and appealed to residents to provide information that could lead to his arrest.
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The incident has renewed concern over rising cases of domestic violence in parts of the country.
Speaking during this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, High Court advocate Melisa Achieng said domestic violence is a criminal offence that requires decisive action.
“The government must invest in prevention, stronger policing, survivor support systems and swift prosecution of perpetrators of gender-based violence,” she said.
Achieng also encouraged women facing abuse to seek help and report incidents to authorities.
“My message to women and girls is simple: know your worth, know your rights, and never allow anyone to silence your voice or diminish your ambitions,” she said.
“You are not alone, and the law is on your side. Seek help, document what is happening, and reach out to trusted people, authorities or legal support immediately.”
She added that cases of domestic violence and other injustices could be reduced if victims and witnesses reported them promptly.
“It is not right for individuals to suffer in silence because the government has put in place measures to address such issues,” she said.
By Gastone Valusi
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