Friends and family of two university students, Rebecca Misungi and Felister Francis, are struggling to come to terms with a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the lives of the young women after they were allegedly set ablaze by a jealous boyfriend.
The horrifying incident unfolded when Felister’s boyfriend reportedly arrived at the house the two friends shared carrying a gallon of fuel. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into a nightmare as the man allegedly poured the fuel and started a fire inside the residence.
Moments later, desperate screams pierced the air, drawing the attention of neighbours who rushed to find out what was happening. Among those who responded was a boda boda rider who lived nearby. Realizing the severity of the situation, he bravely forced his way into the burning house in a desperate attempt to save the trapped students.
According to witnesses, one of the young women managed to escape through the broken doorway. The second victim also attempted to flee but tragically collapsed at the entrance as flames engulfed the room.
The two students suffered severe burns and were rushed to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite doctors’ efforts, Rebecca succumbed to her injuries on June 11, while Felister fought for her life for two more days before passing away on June 13.
Matayo, the head of the estate where the students lived, revealed that several other students from St. John University sustained minor injuries during the incident as they tried to escape after the door was broken open.
“The girls were taken to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, where they received treatment, but sadly both lost their lives,” Matayo said.
He added that the boda boda rider who helped rescue the victims had earlier noticed the suspect arriving with a container of fuel. When questioned, the young man allegedly gave conflicting explanations, at one point claiming he was taking the fuel to his parents and later saying it belonged to the boda boda rider.
In a chilling twist, the same suspect later appeared at the hospital and reportedly contributed KSh2,500 towards the victims’ initial treatment, claiming he knew them. However, when the families learned of the circumstances surrounding the fire, they returned the money, which he allegedly took back.
Before her death, Felister reportedly identified her boyfriend as the person responsible for the attack. Her father said she recounted the events from her hospital bed, providing crucial information about what had happened.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the university community, leaving students, lecturers, parents, and local leaders devastated. Many regularly visited the victims during their final days in hospital, hoping for a miracle that never came.
As investigations continue, mourners are demanding justice for Rebecca and Felister, two promising young women whose lives were cut short in a tragedy that has left an entire community grieving and searching for answers.
