A  woman was killed in a fire started by her husband to eradicate bedbugs in their house at Daraja Mbili market, Kisii Town. 

The man was left with serious burns after a gas cylinder in the house exploded and caused a huge fire out of the lighter he had lit. 

According to the police report, the incident happened on September 8, 2025, at the African Home Apartment at the Galana Estate.

Police rushed to the scene, where they found the house on the third floor of the apartment was on fire.

The victim identified as Esther Cathrene, 35, was burnt beyond recognition while the husband sustained serious injuries. 

He was rushed to hospital and was admitted while in critical condition.

Meanwhile, a househelp who was present when the fire broke out escaped unhurt.

The househelp told police that the deceased’s husband was trying to kill bedbugs using a fire lighter when she heard an explosion. 

She explained that bedbugs had been disturbing the couple for a long time. 

When the fire broke out, she escaped from her room while screaming for help.

A team from the fire department of Kisii County arrived at the scene and managed to contain the spread of the fire, which had reduced most of the household goods to ashes.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy as police launched investigations into the matter.

In addition, a team of experts visited the scene as part of the ongoing probe into the death of the woman and destruction of property.