By Reuben Olita
A woman linked to a suspect in the alleged torching of a rented five-house residential unit, located about 200 metres from the Motel/Booster Road in Amagoro Town, Teso North, has denied being the legally married wife of the man currently on the run.
Teso North Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC), formerly OCPD, Charles Chepkong’a, during a press briefing on Tuesday, said the woman recorded a statement clarifying that the suspect was merely a friend and not her husband, contrary to earlier reports.
“People should stop levelling various theories about whether he was legally married to me. He was just a friend. Period,” the woman stated in her recorded statement, according to the police boss.
Chepkong’a confirmed that investigations have been launched, led by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)..
The DCIO visited the scene on Tuesday to initiate inquiries into the arson incident.
He added that a multi-agency security team, led by Sub-County Security Chairman DCC Solomon Kitai and himself, responded promptly by dispatching a fire engine to contain the blaze, which had threatened to spread to nearby residential houses.
So far, three individuals have recorded statements. Police indicated that the information gathered will be crucial in determining whether the widely alleged suspect was indeed responsible for the incident.
Chepkong’a noted that three tenants who lived in the affected five-house unit—owned by retired diplomat Levy Emurgat—are yet to record their statements.
“The statements will guide us in ascertaining who was involved in this macabre act that has shocked area residents,” he said.
Earlier, local leaders who visited the scene, led by Malaba Central Ward MCA aspirant Frank Wangula, called for swift investigations into the incident, which has left residents puzzled.
Wangula also commended the bravery of firefighter Mark Wesonga for his efforts in helping contain the fire. He urged the county government to consider employing him on permanent and pensionable terms.
