90-year-old escapes death narrowly in attempted arson in Kirinyaga

James Kamene, 90, was asleep when his relatives, led by his grandson John Ndambiri, noticed heavy smoke billowing from his house and raised the alarm. They managed to rescue him just in time.

Kamene’s daughter, Rev. Susan Murimi of Ichang'i Anglican Church in Murinduko, Mwea, said residents struggled to extinguish the blaze but were relieved to find Kamene unharmed.

"We have discovered that the attacker used petrol, as there is a strong smell of fuel. We have reported the incident," she explained.

Local residents, among them Catherine Wangui, believe the attackers have been targeting vulnerable community members, particularly those who benefit from the government’s cash transfer program.

"This is the fifth such incident in our village, and the gang has been specifically targeting the elderly," said John Njuki, a concerned local.

The attack has been reported to Kianyaga Police Station, where detectives have begun an investigation.