By Sekaggya Seka Moses
A devastating incident has shaken the Upanda village in Ogunja, Siaya County, where a family of nine was brutally burned to death in their home on Tuesday night, April 22, 2025.
The victims, identified as Ouma Opondo, his wife Jecinter Onyango, and their seven children aged between six months and 17 years, died in a fire that was allegedly set by individuals seeking to settle a long-standing land dispute.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the family had been embroiled in a bitter land tussle with a neighbor, who is also a relative.
The neighbor, identified as Owino, had been battling Opondo’s family in court over the disputed land for nearly two decades.
A court ruling had favored Opondo’s family, ordering Owino to vacate the land by Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Sylvester Omondi, the caretaker of the home, recounted the horrific events, stating that he was woken up by the smell of petrol around midnight.
Despite his efforts to alert others, he was helpless to save the family as the door was locked with an extra padlock from the outside.
“The smell of petrol woke me up, but the fire had not spread. I screamed for help, but people did not wake up. They started the fire and added an extra padlock to the door,” Omondi said. “They could not open the door, and they died one after the other. The children were calling out my name because I was the person close to them.”
The community is in shock, with many expressing outrage and sadness over the incident.
Leah Mwanzia, a neighbor, expressed her grief, saying, “We have never witnessed what happened here today. We are very sad and out of words.”
Area MCA Andrew Omwende condemned the attack, calling for immediate government intervention to ensure peace prevails in the area.
“The truth is that a jerrican of petrol was found there, and that is an exhibit. The situation here is tense. Anything can happen right now as we speak,” Omwende said. “The government should come as fast as possible.”
In response to the tragedy, police have arrested one suspect, 48-year-old Roselyne Atieno Okello, who is assisting in investigations.
National Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said, “Early today, about 4 am, in Sigomere location, nine family members are believed to have been locked in from outside their house before the residence was set on fire… Detectives are leaning towards a land dispute involving two families as the motive, but remain open to other possibilities.”
Siaya County acting police boss Everline Kemboi has promised to ensure that all suspects are apprehended and justice is served.
The charred bodies of the family members were taken to Ambira Sub-County Hospital mortuary, while the home of the suspected mastermind behind the attack was torched by angry villagers.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Whatsapp: +256786288379 or email binocularugnews@gmail.com
