Homabay county: A widow and her children have been left homeless after a suspected arson attack that reduced their house to ashes in Homabay County. The incident happened in Otondo village, Rachuonyo East Sub County, following a suspected land tussle.
According to Kenya News Agency, the widow, 45-year-old Flora Amayo, is now seeking help to find justice as she has been rendered homeless. Speaking to the media, Amayo said that she was asleep when she heard a loud bang at her door before noticing that her house was on fire. “I woke up after hearing a loud noise and realized that the house was already on fire. Everything was burnt down, and I could not save anything. I am requesting help from well-wishers,” she stated.
Amayo, whose husband died 24 years ago, mentioned that she lost all her belongings in the fire and is currently seeking shelter in a nearby church with her children. She expressed living in fear, suspecting that the incident could be related to her late husband’s land and is now seeking government protection.
Mr. Elija Odongo, Rongopala sub-location assistant chief, confirmed the incident and stated that security officers have already launched investigations into the case, urging for calm. “Police have commenced investigations and are pursuing all possible leads to ensure those behind the fire are brought to justice,” he said.
Local elder Mr. Joshua Moth Aroko condemned the arson and urged the principal secretary for interior, Raymond Omollo, to assist the widow, describing the situation as disheartening. “It is unfortunate that a widow and her children are now left without a home. The government and well-wishers should come to help as investigations into the incident continue,” Mr. Aroko remarked.
The arson has instilled fear among other widows in the area, who also feel threatened due to land issues. Esther Adongo, a widow from Otondo village, appealed to the government to address the matter seriously, allowing widows to live and enjoy their freedom. “We are sad as widows as we see what happened to our fellow widow, Flora. What has happened to her could also happen to us, we urge the leaders to dig into the matter and save us as widows, we have to enjoy our freedom in the land our husbands left us,” she said.
Benta Anyango, another widow who came to console Flora, explained how her freedom is limited due to fear for her life, noting that she has to close her business as early as 6 p.m. and return home. “We seek justice for Flora and appeal to the government and PS Raymond Omollo and all the security team to help us. We have to live in freedom as the other residents; we need protection,” she emphasized.
