By GASTONE VALUSI
Police in Kyua, Machakos County, are pursuing a suspected arsonist who allegedly doused his estranged wife and their child in petrol before setting them ablaze, resulting in the child’s death and leaving the mother with life-threatening burns.
The horrifying incident has sparked widespread public outcry in the region. In a retaliatory move, an enraged mob descended upon a woman suspected to be the man’s accomplice. She was also set on fire by the mob but is currently recuperating at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) with severe burn injuries.
According to Kyua Assistant Chief Antony Kilundo, the suspect, identified as Pius Nzamba, married the victim in 2025, though the couple separated in March 2026. Nzamba had reportedly been out of contact until last Friday, when he resurfaced shortly before the attack at his ex-wife’s rented house in Masaani market.
Chief Kilundo reported that Nzamba called his former wife, 55-year-old Annah Maua, around 11:00 p.m. that night, disconnecting before she could answer. Minutes later, the house burst into flames. Neighbours, alerted by screams, rushed to the scene and rescued Maua and her 14-year-old daughter.
Both victims were initially rushed to Kitui Level 4 Hospital before being referred to KNH for specialized care. Sadly, the daughter—a student at Kyua Junior Secondary School—was pronounced dead upon arrival. Ms. Maua remains in critical condition.
Investigations revealed that the suspected accomplice had allegedly assisted Nzamba by connecting him with a motorbike rider after he failed to secure other transport to the scene. “In the recent past, the woman targeted by the mob reportedly called Nzamba’s ex-wife and warned her that she would ‘do something that would shake Masaani market,'” Kilundo stated.
Chief Kilundo cautioned residents against vigilante justice, urging them to allow the law to take its course. “I urge residents not to take the law into their own hands. Security agencies are here to enforce the law, and anyone who breaks it will be prosecuted,” he warned. He added that the child’s death was a tragedy that could have been avoided had the domestic grievances been reported to authorities earlier.
This case of extreme domestic violence comes amid a rising trend of gender-based violence (GBV) in parts of the country. During a recent International Women’s Day forum, High Court advocate Melisa Achieng emphasized that domestic violence is a crime requiring swift prosecution.
“My message to women and girls is simple: know your worth and your rights,” Achieng stated. She encouraged survivors to seek legal support and document abuses immediately. “You are not alone; the law is on your side. Reporting these cases is the first step toward justice and safety.”
Police have launched a massive manhunt for Pius Nzamba and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to his arrest.
