A man said to be Nyamira deputy governor Amos Nyaribo's kin was killed after a fire gut his home on Tuesday.Locals at first thought the fire was at the deputy governor's residence as the two homes share a fence.
Haron Oange, 85, succumbed after he was not rescued on time, having locked himself inside for the night.
The first responders from the county fire brigade also arrived late.
Residents of Bonyamori village in North Mugirango constituency helped fight the fire with twigs, in vain.
Nyamira North OCPD Robert Kipsum said they suspect the fire started from the old man's kitchen before it spread to the other rooms.
"The elderly man was sleeping at the time the fire broke out. He had locked himself making access," the police boss said.
The body of the deceased was taken to the Nyamira county referral hospital mortuary.
ALVIN RATEMO/The Star