Authorities have launched an investigation into an incident in which a 35-year-old man allegedly set fire to his parents’ house following a disagreement with his father over money, sparking renewed concern about rising cases of domestic violence and arson linked to family disputes.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, was first brought to public attention by a social media post shared on Sunday by Facebook user Eric Mboya. According to the account, the man reportedly became angry after his father declined to give him Ksh 5,000, which he had requested to spend time with friends.
In the post, Mboya claimed that after his request was refused, the man left the house and later returned, allegedly setting the family home ablaze. The suspect was said to be living in the same house that was burned.
Local residents who spoke anonymously said the fire caused significant damage to the building and destroyed household property, though no fatalities were reported. It remains unclear whether the suspect’s parents were inside the house at the time of the fire or whether anyone sustained injuries during the incident.
Witnesses described the situation as shocking, noting that what began as a family disagreement quickly escalated into a destructive act with serious consequences. Some neighbours reportedly attempted to put out the fire and alert local authorities once the blaze was noticed.
As of Sunday, police had not released an official statement detailing arrests or charges, but security sources confirmed that the matter had been reported and was under investigation. Officers are expected to question the suspect, his parents, and neighbours as part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case has drawn comparisons to a similar event that occurred less than two weeks earlier in Thunguma village, Nyeri County, where a 40-year-old man allegedly burned down his parents’ house after his mother refused to give him Sh100. That earlier incident also prompted public debate about family pressures, unemployment, substance abuse, and mental health challenges facing adults who remain financially dependent on relatives.
Social commentators and community leaders have expressed concern that economic hardship and unresolved family conflicts are increasingly manifesting in extreme and violent behaviour. Some have called for stronger social support systems, counselling services, and early intervention mechanisms to help families manage disputes before they escalate.
“This is not just a criminal issue; it is a social problem,” said a community youth advocate who asked not to be named. “When adults feel frustrated, unemployed, or dependent, and there is no outlet for help or counselling, small disagreements can turn into dangerous situations.”
Legal experts note that arson is a serious criminal offence under Kenyan law and can attract lengthy prison sentences if proven in court, particularly when it involves residential property and endangers lives. They stressed the importance of allowing police investigations to run their course and cautioned against drawing conclusions before all facts are established.
Meanwhile, residents of the affected area are appealing to authorities and social welfare agencies to engage the family and the wider community, not only to ensure accountability but also to prevent possible retaliatory violence or further unrest.
As investigations continue, police are urging members of the public to resolve family disputes through dialogue and mediation and to seek help from community elders, religious leaders, or professional counsellors rather than resorting to violence or destruction of property.
The incident has reignited calls for increased public awareness around conflict resolution, mental health support, and responsible family engagement, especially at a time when economic pressures are placing significant strain on households across the country.
Source: Africa Publicity
