Police in Siaya County have detained a 33-year-old man following a fatal house fire that claimed the life of his 96-year-old grandmother, Josphine Atieno Odongo. The incident occurred in Ayoo B Village, Nyang’oma Sub-location, Siaya Sub-county, and is under investigation for suspected arson.
Authorities report that the fire rapidly engulfed the house, trapping the elderly woman inside. Her body was severely burnt and moved to Siaya County Referral Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect, the victim’s grandson, allegedly set the fire before fleeing the scene. The motive remains unclear. Police noted that the prolonged dry spell in the area contributed to the swift spread of the flames, complicating rescue efforts by neighbours.
The suspect lived in the same homestead with his mother and the deceased. Crime Scene Investigators processed the fire site, and the suspect is currently held at Siaya Police Station as investigations continue.
Additional Investigations in Siaya and Murang’a
- In Gem-Yala Sub-county, Siaya, police are probing the discovery of an unidentified adult male’s body found in an open field near Kodiaga Market. The body, showing a minor bruise on the left eyelid but no other visible injuries, was taken to Yala Level IV Sub-County Hospital mortuary. Authorities are working to establish the identity and cause of death.
- Separately, in Murang’a County, the body of 44-year-old Michael Mwangi Nduati was found beside a road in Muchungucha Village. Last seen alive the previous day, his body showed no visible injuries. The scene was processed by forensic teams, and the body was moved to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.
Police in both counties have launched investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding these deaths.
