Residents of Kianjugu village in Ruguru Ngandori, Embu County, were on Friday left in shock after a 35-year-old man set himself ablaze inside his house, burning beyond recognition.

Boniface Kiura reportedly locked himself inside his three-bedroom house at around 7pm before setting it on fire, in what authorities believe was a suicide act.

Confirming the incident, Kithunguri sub-location Assistant Chief Paul Muriuki said villagers noticed huge flames coming from the house and rushed to extinguish the fire.

Despite their efforts, the blaze spread quickly and razed down the entire house, leaving behind only Kiura’s charred remains.

According to the administrator, the deceased had been living in distress following a separation from his wife and three children.

He had also reportedly been in constant conflict with neighbors and even quarreled with his own mother in recent weeks.

“It is unfortunate that instead of seeking help, Kiura chose this path. We urge residents to live peacefully, support each other, and address personal challenges both at family and community levels,” Muriuki said.

Police have since taken the body of the deceased to the Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary for preservation and further investigations.