A sombre mood has engulfed Sigomre village in Siaya County following a horrific incident that claimed the lives of nine members of the same family in a suspected arson attack on Tuesday night.
According to eyewitnesses and authorities, the fire broke out shortly after midnight while the family a man, his wife, and their seven children were asleep in their home. Sylvester Omondi, the caretaker of the compound, told Citizen Digital that he was awakened by the strong smell of petrol. On rushing outside, he discovered that the main house was engulfed in flames and locked from the outside, raising suspicions of foul play.
“I tried to break the door, but it was locked tightly. The flames had already taken over the whole house,” Omondi recounted, visibly shaken by the ordeal.
Area Assistant Chief Robert Odongo confirmed receiving distress reports about the fire at around 1:00 a.m. He immediately alerted the police and rushed to the scene, only to find the house still burning. Despite the efforts of neighbours and first responders, it was too late to save the family trapped inside.
Preliminary investigations by local authorities point to arson as the likely cause of the fire, though a full probe is underway to establish the motive and identify those behind the heinous act. “We suspect arson due to the presence of a petrol-like smell and the fact that the house was locked from outside,” said Assistant Chief Odongo.
The incident has shocked residents of Sigomre, who are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Community members described the family as peaceful and friendly, with no known disputes that might have prompted such a brutal attack.
Police have cordoned off the scene and launched a manhunt for suspects. Meanwhile, the bodies of the victims have been taken to Siaya County Referral Hospital Mortuary as investigations continue.
Leaders and human rights organizations have called for swift justice and enhanced security in the region to prevent similar tragedies.
This devastating incident adds to the growing concerns over insecurity in rural areas and the urgent need for community policing and vigilance.
