A middle-aged man from Ikonge area in Nyamira County is currently fighting for his life at the Nyamira County Referral Hospital after setting himself on fire following a disagreement with his wife.

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According to those who witnessed the Monday afternoon incident, the man, Cosmas Ondicho, got angry after his wife failed to join him at their tea plantation for their daily chores.

"Cosmas picked a quarrel with his wife at about 2pm after returning home from the tea plantation. The wife told him she won't be going to the plantation as she is tired of the routine, remarks that angered him," said Irene Kemunto.

Confirming the incident, area assistant Chief Ezekiel Nyang'au said Cosmas later went to a nearby petrol station where he reportedly purchased the petrol which he used to set himself and their house on fire.

"Cosmas purchased three litres of petrol which he used to set himself on fire after locking himself in the house on Monday afternoon," said Nyang'au.

The chief further noted that neighbours saw smoke coming from the house and rushed to the scene where they managed to rescue Cosmas who had sustained serious burns.

"The neighbours took him to the Nyamira County Referral Hospital where he is currently fighting for his life," said Nyang'au.

The chief warned locals against taking such actions when angry and instead encouraged them to find amicable solutions to the problems they might be facing, in a bid to curb the rising cases of suicides.

"Police in Nyamira have already launched investigations and Cosmas' wife will be interrogated to help police establish the motive behind his actions," he added.