A Thika family of four is dead after the husband and father allegedly locked his family inside their home, opened a gas cylinder, and set the house on fire on Thursday evening.

The deceased have been identified as Kamau Moko, his wife Phyllis Wambui, and their two sons, six-year-old Tallan and four-year-old Terence.

Neighbors reported hearing a commotion from the house and rushed to help. They broke down the door and found Kamau and one of the children already dead inside. Phyllis and the other child were pulled out alive but with severe burns. They were rushed to the nearest hospital, where Phyllis succumbed to her injuries on the way.

The second child was admitted to the intensive care unit, where doctors worked to stabilize him. He later died, leaving no survivors from the family.

Kamau ran a plumbing business that had been struggling, while Phyllis sold food in Thika. Those who knew the family said financial pressure had been mounting in recent weeks, though the exact circumstances that led to Thursday's events remain unclear.

The incident has left neighbors and the wider community in shock. Investigations are ongoing.