Prime Suspect in Deadly Siaya Arson Attack Arrested in Nairobi

Tragic case takes a dramatic turn as police apprehend key suspect linked to the death of nine family members

Authorities have arrested the prime suspect in a brutal arson attack that left nine members of a single family dead in Sigomere, Upanda village, Siaya County.

Christopher Okello Owino, 56, was taken into custody on Thursday evening in Kibra, Nairobi, where he was found inside his home sharing a meal with his children. According to police, Owino had been in hiding since the attack, which occurred earlier this week.

“He appeared calm and was unaware that officers were closing in,” said a source close to the investigation.

Residents in Kibra who knew Owino alerted authorities after he allegedly confessed to being in Siaya on the night of the fatal fire. This tip-off led to a swift police operation in the Kianda area, where officers—working with local leaders—successfully arrested him.

He is currently being held at Kibra Police Station, with arrangements underway to transfer him to Ugunja Police Station in Siaya for further interrogation.

Arrest Follows Wife’s Detainment in Siaya

Earlier in the week, police in Sigomere had arrested Owino’s wife after recovering a can of oil suspected to have been used to ignite the deadly blaze. During interrogation, Owino reportedly admitted knowledge of his wife’s detention, further implicating him in the crime.

Detectives also seized several mobile phones from Owino’s home, which are now undergoing forensic analysis. Authorities suspect that he may have coordinated with accomplices before and after the attack.

“Our investigation indicates that Mr. Owino may have hired a group to assist him in carrying out the attack,” said a senior officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Retaliation and Community Shock

In a bizarre turn of events, Owino is said to have hosted church members for a prayer meeting at his Kibra home just hours after his rural house in Siaya was set on fire by enraged villagers—an apparent act of retaliation for the tragic incident.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but police say investigations are ongoing and that more arrests may follow.

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Prime Suspect in Deadly Siaya Arson Attack Arrested in Nairobi