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 suspected land tussle.
The widow, 45 years old Flora Amayo is now seeking help to find justice as she is 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. Am requesting for help from well-wishers
The widow said she is living in fear as she suspects the incident could be related to her late husband’s land and now want government to protect her.
Amayo whose husband died 24 years ago, said she lost all her belongings in the fire and she is currently seeking shelter in a nearby church together with her children.
Mr. Elija Odongo, Rongopala sub-location assistant chief confirmed the incident and said security officers have already launched investigations into the incident as he called for calm.
“Police have commenced investigations and are pursuing all possible leads to ensure those behind the fire are brought to justice,” he said.
Mr. Joshua Moth Aroko, a local elder condemned the arson and urged the principal secretary for interior Raymond Omollo to help the widow saying what has happened is 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 said.
The arson has caused fear among other widows in the area who also feel threatened because of land
Esther Adongo, a widow at Otondo village appealed to the government to take the matter seriously and let widows in the area 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 had come to console Flora explained how her freedom is limited because of fear of her life saying she has to close her business as early as 6pm and get back home.
“We seek justice for Flora and we 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 said.
By Dorice Mukoshi
