By Reuben Olita
A shocking incident has left residents reeling after an enraged man allegedly set ablaze a rental house following a domestic dispute, causing an estimated KSh 6 million loss.
What Happened
The midnight incident occurred on Monday when a man reportedly returned home only to find his partner missing. In a fit of rage, he poured petrol into the house and set it on fire, igniting a blaze that quickly spread across a five-unit residential plot.
The fire started from House No. 4
Four units were occupied, one vacant
The roof structure was completely destroyed
Neighbours acted swiftly to evacuate tenants and salvage property
Fortunately, no lives were lost, thanks to the rapid response by residents.
Property Owner Speaks
The estate owner, retired diplomat Levy Enurgat, expressed shock and devastation:
“This is inhuman. Lives would have been lost if neighbours had not intervened quickly.”
He attributed the incident to matrimonial conflicts, urging families to seek peaceful dispute resolution through:
Family and community elders, Religious institutions, Administration or courts
“It’s easier than taking the law into your own hands.”
🚒 Delayed Fire Response Raises Concerns
Neighbour and veteran journalist Kennedy Epalat criticized the delayed emergency response:
Fire engine located just 400 meters away
Took nearly 2 hours to arrive
Only one trained firefighter was available and overwhelmed
He called on the county government to:
Employ more trained firefighters
Reinstate suspended personnel
Improve emergency coordination
Eyewitness Account
Another resident, Derrick Chogea, recounted:
“He demanded tenants open their doors. When they refused, he poured petrol through the window and set the house on fire before fleeing.”
One solo fire fighter; Mark Wesonga, rescued the situation with heroic display in the incident witnessed by Malaba OCS Charles Juma and Teso North Sub County Probation Officer.
Bigger Picture
This tragic event highlights:
The dangers of unresolved domestic conflicts
Gaps in emergency response systems
The need for mental health and conflict resolution support
Final Thought
Moments of anger can lead to irreversible damage. As the community begins recovery and renovations, the call is clear: seek help, not revenge.
