Siaya Tragedy: Nine Family Members Killed in Suspected Arson Attack Over Land Dispute
A community in Siaya County is grappling with grief and horror after nine members of a single family perished in a suspected arson attack in the dead of night. The chilling incident occurred in Upanda village, Sigomre, Ugunja Constituency, and is believed to be linked to a land dispute.
The victims, a man, his wife, and their seven children, were killed in the Tuesday night fire that razed their home. Four of the victims were burnt beyond recognition. The tragedy has left locals in disbelief, struggling to come to terms with the scale of the loss.
Among the deceased were a Form Four student and a six-month-old infant. Authorities have preserved the remains at Siaya County Referral Hospital as investigations and postmortem examinations continue.
According to residents, tensions had been escalating due to a land conflict between the family and a neighbour. Police have arrested a suspect believed to be connected to the incident.
In response to the tragedy, enraged locals launched a retaliatory attack on the suspect’s property, burning down both the main house and farm structures. Police remain on high alert to prevent further violence.
Siaya County police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law. They are also appealing for calm and cooperation as forensic experts continue their work.
In a separate incident in the same region, two boda boda operators were rushed to Siaya Referral Hospital in critical condition following a serious road accident. The crash occurred near Sigomere Police Station on the road to Madungu, with eyewitnesses describing it as “near life-ending.”
The Siaya County Referral Hospital remains overwhelmed as it handles the aftermath of both the arson and road crash cases.
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Siaya Tragedy: Nine Family Members Killed in Suspected Arson Attack Over Land Dispute