A family of nine, including a man, his wife, and their seven children, perished in a fire in Ogunja, Siaya County, Upanda village. Ouma Opondo, Jecinter Onyango, and their children, aged six months to 17 years, were killed in their home on the night of April 22, 2025.
Initial investigations indicate the family was embroiled in a land dispute with a neighbor, who is also a relative. Sylvester Omondi, sleeping nearby, awoke to thick smoke but could not intervene. As the caretaker, Omondi reported smelling petrol around midnight. The fire had not yet spread, but the family’s door was secured with an additional padlock, preventing rescue.
The tragedy left the community in shock. Leah Mwanzia expressed profound grief, noting the unprecedented nature of the event. Relatives revealed that Opondo’s family had been in a prolonged land dispute with the suspected perpetrator’s family.
A court had ruled in Opondo’s favor, ordering the suspect to vacate the land immediately. Leonard Joseph Ochieng, a relative, suggested this ruling may have triggered the attack. Omondi confirmed Opondo had secured a court order for his cousin, Owino, to leave the disputed land by April 24, 2025, after a 20-year legal battle.
Area MCA Andrew Omwende reported that residents found a petrol jerrican at the scene, which could serve as evidence. He urged the government to deploy security forces to maintain peace, citing heightened tensions. Angry villagers burned the home of the woman suspected of the attack.
Police arrived and transported the family’s charred remains to Ambira Sub-County Hospital mortuary. National Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri stated that one suspect, 48-year-old Roselyne Atieno Okello, is in custody. Authorities suspect the killings stem from the land dispute but are exploring other motives. Siaya County acting police boss Everline Kemboi affirmed that investigations are underway, with commitments to apprehend all involved.
