Police in Ugunja have opened an investigation into a suspected arson attack in Sigomere location that claimed the lives of nine members of the Opondo family. In the early hours of the morning, unknown assailants locked the family’s home from the outside, poured petrol inside, and set the house ablaze as the occupants slept.
County Commissioner Norbat Komora confirmed that the victims included the father, Ouma Opondo; his wife, Wilchister Anyango; and their seven children: Lorene, 17; Melvin, 15; Sheila, 12; Davis, 9; Ryan, 7; Noela, 5; and baby Leon, just six months old. The family’s caretaker, Sylvester Omondi, was roused from sleep around midnight by the smell of petrol. When he rushed outside, he saw flames engulfing the main house. Despite frantic efforts to break down the locked door and raise the alarm, he was unable to reach the family in time.
Police officers, assisted by local residents, managed to extinguish the fire, but by that time the family members had already succumbed to the inferno. The victims were burned beyond recognition. Investigators believe the attack was motivated by an unresolved land dispute. According to relatives, the Opondo family had been locked in a legal battle over property for ten years and had recently secured a court ruling in their favor, ordering a local buyer to vacate the land in question.
Leonard Ochieng’, a family relative, described the dispute as long-running and acrimonious. He urged authorities to swiftly pursue those responsible and ensure justice for the victims. Area chief Robert Odongo reported that investigators recovered a jerrycan containing fuel and a matchbox at the scene, suggesting the perpetrators meticulously planned the attack and discarded these items after setting the fire.
Local Member of County Assembly Andrew Omwende also condemned the atrocity, calling on security forces to intensify their investigations and on the community to remain calm. Authorities have arrested one person so far: identified as Rosaline Atieno Okello. A container suspected to have held the petrol used in the attack was recovered from the scene.
The bodies of Ouma Opondo, his wife, and their children have been transferred to the Ambira Sub-County Mortuary, where they await autopsy. Police continue to interview witnesses and comb the area for further evidence, while community leaders maintain a vigilant watch, hoping that the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly.
