In a harrowing event at Onono village, Nyabeda sub-location, within Yala in Gem, Siaya County, two homes were set on fire after the shocking discovery of a murdered 7-year-old boy, Michael Owino Alumba, on Thursday morning.
The arson occurred at the residence of Dominic Odhiambo, whose son is suspected of being involved in the tragic death. According to Assistant Chief Tom Aruwa, the child's lifeless body was found dumped in a nearby bush after he had been reported missing on Wednesday evening.
The horrific incident enraged residents, who stormed Odhiambo's property, destroyed valuables, and set two houses ablaze. Preliminary reports suggest the suspect may have been motivated by a prior confrontation.
Did you read this?
Days earlier, he was allegedly caught stealing bananas from the farm of the deceased boy's father and warned to desist. This may have triggered the suspect to retaliate by abducting and killing the young boy.
Law enforcement officers have since visited the scene, collected the body, and transferred it to Yala Sub-County Hospital. Meanwhile, an investigation is underway to apprehend the suspect, who remains at large.
Assistant Chief Aruwa strongly condemned the villagers' retaliatory actions, urging the community to refrain from mob justice and instead utilize lawful channels to resolve disputes.
