Education Officer and Daughter Perish in House Fire in Kericho

A 42-year-old woman, Jackline Cheruiyot, and her eight-year-old daughter died after a fire engulfed their home in Poiwek village on Sunday night in Kericho county.

Cheruiyot, who was an education officer serving in Chemosot Ward, Bureti Sub-county, was well known in the area, and her death has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Family members said Cheruiyot was a mother of three, noting that her two surviving children escaped the blaze and are now in need of assistance in the aftermath of the tragedy.

According to Patrick Kiprotich, a brother of Jackline, neighbours rushed to the house after hearing screams and attempted to rescue the victims.

“We managed to open the door to rescue her,” narrated Collins Kipyegon. “However, anexplosion of the gas cylinderforced rescuers to flee for their own safety.

In a separate incident in Ngecherok village, another family was left counting heavy losses after a fire razed their seven-bedroom house and destroyed two vehicles.

The family of Milliot Kerich said the inferno caused losses estimated at about KSh5 million after their house and household belongings were completely destroyed.

According to one of the victims, Nixon Kipngeno, the fire spread rapidly, consuming the house, vehicles, and water tanks before it could be contained.

Kerich added that the fire destroyed school books and learning materials belonging to her children, compounding the family’s hardship.

Residents expressed alarm over what they described as a surge in fire incidents in the area this month, calling on authorities to intervene.

In response, Kericho County Police Commander James Ngetich confirmed that detectives are investigating both incidents and urged residents to ensure electrical and gas appliances are safe to prevent similar tragedies.