How 3 people lost their lives at Sunbeam mall, and a family's struggle to cope with the reality

Three people lost their lives following last week's anti-government protests on Tuesday when a group of hired goons attacked Sunbeam Mall on Nairobi’s Mfangano Street.

The assailants looted and torched the commercial building, resulting in the deaths of three businesspersons.

Among the victims was Bernard Mungai, who tragically fell from the third floor while trying to escape the raging fire.

His grieving family has expressed their deep anguish over the devastating loss. 

Mungai was inside his shoe store on the ground floor when suddenly, the goons broke in, started looting, and then torched the building.

As the mall was looted and torched, Mungai tried to flee upstairs for safety, but tragically fell and sustained serious injuries.

Terrifying video footage seen by Citizen TV captured Mungai hanging from the third floor before falling as tried to save his life.

“Alianguka akijaribu kukimbia… nilipigiwa simu,” said Joyce Nyambura, Mungai's wife.

The deceased’s son, Harrison Mungai added, “Tulikuwa naye, akaniambia niendange juu teargas ilikuwa imeanza kupigwa.”

Efforts to save him were not successful at St. Francis Hospital in Nairobi's Kasarani area, where he was rushed in critical condition.

“Wakati walikuwa wanampeleka thearte alikuwa haongei; baadaye nilipigiwa simu kuambiwa ameenda,” said Nyambura.

Mungai's death has dealt a big blow to his family, who depended on him for provision. 

“Sina mbele wala nyuma,” lamented Nyambura.

Her daughter Wairimu, added, “Last kuongea na babangu ilikuwa date 14th...sijaamini.”

To add to the woes this family faces, St. Francis Hospital has insisted it will not release the body for burial until a postmortem examination is conducted.

“Tulikuwa tumtoe lakini St Francis hawawezi wakaachilia walisema mwili ni yao lazima wafanye postmortem,” Nyambura noted.

The hospital said it is following standard procedures, especially for those who were taken there for treatment related to the protests.

Apart from Mungai, two other people died at Sunbeam, including Mathew Njoroge, whose charred body was discovered a week later after the building was burnt down. 

Other business operators sustained injuries while trying to flee to safety.