Former Kitui County Police Commander, Benson Wasike, was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital after his house was engulfed by fire in Bungoma County on Friday, February 18.
In a police report seen by Kenyans.co.ke, police suspect that their former colleague either died by suicide or arson. Detectives attached to the case are expected to unravel what transpired in the house prior to releasing a comprehensive report.
Preliminary reports, nonetheless, indicated that at the time of the incident, Wasike was alone in the house. Additionally, police detailed that Wasike was living all alone following a dispute with his estranged wife.
The deceased was found unconscious in his room and was rushed to Naitiri Sub-county Hospital after several attempts by well-wishers to put out the fire.
"With the assistance of members of the public, they rescued him and rushed him to Naitiri Sub-county Hospital while in an unconscious state where he was pronounced dead on arrival with a white substance appearing on his mouth,"
"The house was completely burnt down although a few items were salvaged. Police officers rushed to the scene and necessary action was taken. The body was transferred to Kiminini Cottage hospital's mortuary awaiting postmortem," read the police statement.
Following the incident, the police questioned Wasike’s caretaker as investigations into the case commenced.
The caretaker was reported to have claimed that he heard the former police boss screaming for help prompting him to rush to the scene to rescue him.
"The caretaker to the deceased at Kabuyefwe location, Bungoma County heard Wasike in his home shouting fire, fire, in his main house,"
"Wasike was living in the house alone after a domestic dispute with his wife," read the police report in part.
Wasike retired from the service in 2019 and moved to his rural home in Bungoma County.
Counsellors, medics and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Please call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199 for support.
