Rebbecca Kerubo and her brother at her home

A man from Bonyamatuta Chache location, in Nyamira, attempted to kill his family over what he termed as failure by his wife to give birth to boys.

Joash Misati is said to have locked his wife Rebecca Kerubo and their three daughters inside their house before setting it on fire and leaving them for dead.

Fortunately, the woman’s eldest daughter, who was in a separate house within the compound, rescued them before the arson attack could turn fatal.

The fire could not be contained as property of unknown value was reduced to ashes.

Speaking to Citizen TV crew at her home, the woman said they were forced to seek shelter at a neighbour’s house where they spent the night.

“I’m just worried that my entire struggle to make my home is now in ashes and I’m homeless simply because of the archaic Abagusii cultural belief that a woman who cannot give birth to boys has no worth in a home,” she said.

Area Chief Tesling Okinya confirmed the incident saying he is working with the police to apprehend the suspect who is on the run.