Arson Atack Kills Family of Nine in Siaya Over Longstanding Land Dispute

A family of nine, including five children, perished in a devastating fire late Tuesday night in Upanda village, Siaya County. 

Authorities suspect the blaze was intentionally set, motivated by a protracted land dispute. The incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, prompting investigations and calls for justice. The victims have been identified as Mr. Ouma Opondo, his wife Jecinter Anyango, and their seven children, whose ages ranged from six months to 17 years. The fire, which erupted shortly before midnight, consumed the family's home, leaving no survivors.

Sylvester Omondi, a nearby caretaker, was among the first to raise the alarm. Awakened by the strong odour of petrol, he discovered Opondo’s residence engulfed in flames. Despite his efforts to alert the community, the fire spread rapidly, rendering rescue attempts futile. Omondi recounts the harrowing scene, noting that the door had been secured with a heavy padlock from the outside, indicating that the family had been deliberately trapped. 

"I realised this was no ordinary fire," he stated, emphasising the terrifying screams of the children as the inferno raged.

By the time the fire was extinguished, the house was reduced to rubble, with only charred remains and smouldering ashes left to bear witness to the tragedy. Among the deceased was Loice Auma, a 17-year-old student who was preparing to take her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams later this year. Her untimely death has been mourned by the community, with many lamenting the loss of a promising young student. 

Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the incident. National Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri has confirmed the arrest of 48-year-old Roselyne Atieno Okello in connection with the arson attack. 

"Our initial findings point to arson, and the primary motive appears to be a land dispute," Muchiri stated. 

He adds that detectives are keeping an open mind as they continue to gather evidence and piece together the details of the crime. The alleged motive centres around a long-standing land dispute between Mr. Opondo and his cousin, identified as Owino. The two men had been embroiled in a legal battle for two decades over a contested parcel of land. According to Omondi, Mr. Opondo had recently secured a court ruling in his favour, with the judgment requiring Owino to vacate the disputed property by Thursday, just days after the tragic incident.

Family members and community leaders have provided additional context, explaining that the conflict originated years ago when Owino was granted temporary use of a portion of land following a family bereavement. However, the arrangement became a point of contention when Owino allegedly encroached on additional acreage, prompting Mr. Opondo to seek legal recourse. Village elder Wylkister Atieno, who testified during the court proceedings, corroborated claims of boundary tampering. 

"The land Owino was occupying was not the one originally allocated to him," she asserted, emphasising her role in overseeing the initial division of the property. 

The court’s recent ruling had upheld these findings, ordering Owino’s eviction—a resolution that may have escalated tensions to their fatal conclusion. The tragedy has triggered widespread outrage and grief throughout the community. In the aftermath of the fire, villagers reportedly stormed Owino’s homestead and set three houses ablaze. Local leaders have called for calm, urging residents to allow law enforcement to handle the matter. Andrew Omuende, the area’s ward representative, condemns the killings and appeals for justice. 

Police have vowed to pursue all leads and apprehend additional suspects connected to the attack. Siaya County acting police boss Everline Kemboi reiterates the department’s commitment to resolving the case. As the village grapples with the enormity of its loss, the memory of the Opondo family remains vivid. Loice Auma, the eldest child, was remembered fondly by teachers and peers as a diligent and ambitious student with a promising future. Her tragic death, along with her siblings’, has left an indelible void in the community.

"This is a nightmare we only hear about on the radio—it is unfathomable that such a tragedy has struck here," remarked Lenah Mwanzia, a parent representative, reflecting the collective grief of Upanda’s residents.