A one-and-a-half-year-old baby was burned to death while at his grandmother's house in Murumba village, Ugunja sub-county.

 Siaya County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo said that the house caught fire when infant Jayden Otieno had fallen asleep in the living room.

PHOTO | COURTESY Toddler burnt to death at his grandmother's house

He stated that early investigations have indicated that a witness, Leonida Atieno, spotted smoke escaping from the residence of 93-year-old grandma Clementino Oundo and called for help.

He reported that this spurred the neighbors to rush to the scene and attempt to extinguish the fire, but in vain because it had engulfed part of the house with the newborn inside, burning him beyond recognition.

He stated that the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.

PHOTO | COURTESY burning building

 It is believed that the visually handicapped grandma lighted a cigarette inside the residence, causing the fire.

While confirming the occurrence, the police chief added that the grandma was saved from the fire.

Kimaiyo further stated that multiple used matchsticks and cigarette filters were discovered inside the burnt house and that investigations to determine the cause of the fire have commenced.