Residents of Chuna Estate, Kitengela in Kajiado County are in shock after a middle aged businessman locked himself in his house and set it ablaze.
The man died during the incident as area residents tried to come to terms with the act. His wife and the children were away while the househelp was carrying out her chores during the time of the incident.
According to police reports, the man released cooking gas inside his modern bungalow, and after the whole house was filled with the gas, he lit a matchbox causing a huge fire.
Upon learning of the incident, concerned neighbors rushed to his aid, however, there efforts proved futile because the fire was spreading rapidly.
Kitengela Fire Service responded to the scene and managed to put off the fire.
Police who visited the scene confirmed that the man had been burnt beyond recognition. The scene was processed and the remains taken to Kitengela morgue for preservation.
The motive of the man to end his own life was not immediately clear but preliminary findings show that the man had been involved in domestic wrangles with his wife for a while. Police have since launched investigations into the matter. This case adds to the list in which people commit suicide amid an economic crisis and high unemployment.