An 83-year-old grandmother was burnt beyond recognition after her house caught fire at Muhalia village in Sabatia Sub County.
She was asleep when the fire broke out. Her husband, who was sleeping in a separate room, escaped with minor burns and was helped by neighbours who rushed him to Vihiga district hospital.
Area assistant county commissioner Geoffrey Lewa who confirmed the incident said the cause of the fire is yet to be established and police have launched investigations.
“The villagers are in a somber mood and it is unfortunate the incident happened. However police have started the investigations,” said the administrator.
He said efforts by neighbours to help the deceased were futile as the house was engulfed in intense fire and smoke.
The assistant county commissioner said the body has been removed to Vihiga county referral hospital for post mortem.
He added that the house is not connected to electricity and therefore chances that the inferno was sparked by an electric fault have been ruled out by the police.