A family in Gitaru, Kiambu County, is counting heavy losses after their home was destroyed by a fire allegedly caused by fireworks lit by a four-year-old child during New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2026.
According to police, the fire broke out after a firework was ignited inside the house, reportedly in a bedroom. The family had purchased fireworks to join other Kenyans in ushering in the New Year, unaware that the celebrations would end in disaster.
What was meant to be a moment of joy quickly turned tragic when the fireworks sparked a blaze that rapidly engulfed the house.
One of the victims, Joyce Warusa, said the fire started in the bedroom where her four-year-old child attempted to light a firework, likely imitating what the child had seen or heard during the celebrations.
“We did not know the child had lit it in the bedroom. We first heard explosions and then saw smoke, which led to the fire,” Warusa said in an interview.
She explained that she initially rushed to the kitchen, suspecting it might be the source of the fire, but found nothing wrong. It was only after checking the bedroom that she discovered the mattress had caught fire, with flames spreading quickly to other parts of the house.
The fire destroyed household items and property, leaving the family homeless. No injuries were reported. A fire engine responded to the scene, but by the time firefighters arrived, nothing could be salvaged, police said.
The family’s father, Lawrence Njoroge, said the incident had shattered the start of the new year as they now struggle to rebuild their home.
Residents in the area have since called for stricter controls on the sale and use of fireworks, citing the risks posed by unregulated pyrotechnics, especially to children.
Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The fire comes just days after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja warned Kenyans to exercise caution when handling fireworks during New Year celebrations. Kanja emphasized that fireworks should only be used by licensed operators with the necessary approvals.
“Unregulated use poses serious risks, including fires, injuries, and unnecessary panic. Let us celebrate in a manner that does not endanger others or disturb public order,” Kanja said.
He also urged parents to closely monitor their children during festivities and called on business owners and entertainment venue managers to comply with safety regulations to prevent similar incidents.
