Grief as nine family members killed in suspected arson are laid to rest

Hundreds of mourners yesterday paid their last respects to the nine members of a family who perished in a brutal arson attack at Upanda village in Sigomre, Ugunja sub-county last week.

Richard Ouma (45), Jacinta (44), Loyce (17), Sheila (12), Meline (15), Davis (9), Brian (7), Leon (5) and Noela (6 months) died after their house was burnt down in a suspected longstanding land dispute.

The victims were laid to rest at their home in the village in an emotional ceremony that was attended by villagers, politicians, and relatives, who called for justice.

Ouma was described as a humble man who built his family on faith, discipline, and hard work.

During the burial ceremony that was held at Ninga Primary School grounds, emotions ran high as family members narrated the incident that had left the whole village in shock and despair.

The nine white coffins arrived at the school’s grounds at exactly 11:40am before they were paraded in the tents that were manned by Kenya Red Cross officials. The coffins were sealed, with only the victims’ portraits mounted.

It took security officers more than 30 minutes to control the emotional crowd before the service that was being presided over by the Catholic Church begun.

“On this day, I didn’t want to leave my daughter. I didn’t know that this was the last time I was seeing her,” Monica Apondi, Jacinta’s mother, narrated her last moments with her daughter just hours before the devastating news of her death.

Apondi, who spent time with her daughter on Monday in Simenya before she left for Upanda on Tuesday, said she is still in shock.

Jacinta, who was born on November 11, 1981, in a family of ten, married the late Ouma in 2003 and was also blessed with ten children.

Two children, Michael and Emelda survived the tragedy as they were away.

While addressing the mourners, Richard Ogolla, the head teacher of Sigomre Primary School, condemned the incident, saying it has left the village in shock.

“This is the most tragic incident that we have ever witnessed in this village. We are appealing for justice for this family,” said Ogolla.

Sadat Kibira, a teacher at nearby Uluthe Secondary School where Loyce was a Form Four student, eulogized her as a bright student who was supposed to sit for her KCSE exams this year.

“This is an unfortunate incident and we are praying for the family as we also call on the government to ensure that justice is done,” said Kibira. Loyce’s dream was to become a journalist.

Ugunja parliamentary aspirant Otieno Aluru appealed to the security apparatus and land surveyors to prevent unnecessary disputes caused by row over land.

Among those who attended the funeral were Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol and comedian Erick Omondi.

Oduol, who called for speedy investigations into the matter, said justice must be served and perpetrators of the heinous act brought to book.