- A mysterious late-night inferno razed Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo’s home, leaving behind losses running into millions
- Police confirmed power was out during the incident, ruling out electrical faults and hinting at possible foul play
- Neighbours watched helplessly as officers broke through the locked gate, salvaging only a handful of items
- The MP, who was attending Raila Odinga’s funeral events in Kisumu, called for swift investigations into the suspected arson
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Homa Bay – A late-night fire at Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo’s home has left destruction estimated to be worth millions of shillings.
Source: Facebook
What happened to Lilian Gogo’s house?
The fire, which broke out at the MP’s residence in East Gem ward, consumed nearly the entire property while Gogo was away in Kisumu.
Police have since launched investigations into what they suspect could be a deliberate act of arson.
Rangwe Police Commander Magdaline Chebet confirmed the incident, dismissing reports that the cause of the fire was not electrical.
She explained that the area was experiencing a blackout at the time of the incident.
“The area where the home is had power blackout when the fire broke out,” she said,
Chebet said that officers responded swiftly after receiving distress calls from residents, but by the time they arrived, the blaze had already engulfed the main house.
The police boss pointed out that residents who had responded to the cries for help were unable to assist as the compound was locked.
“We found neighbours gathered at the scene. They were, however, unable to get into the compound as the gate was locked,” she said.
The officers reportedly broke the gate as they tried to put out the fire, drawing water from the borehole in the compound.
What is Lilian Gogo’s appeal?
Despite their efforts, only a few items from the kitchen were salvaged as the rest of the property, including furniture, electronics, and personal belongings, was reduced to ashes.
The lawmaker revealed she was in Kisumu when she received the call that her rural home was burning.
She explained that she had travelled for the ongoing funeral of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
“I was in Kisumu because of the ongoing funeral programs of Raila Odinga. I am equally confused about what happened,” the legislator said.
The legislator has appealed to the police to move quickly and bring those responsible for the heinous act to justice.
Source: Original
Police have not yet identified any suspects, but investigators are examining possible motives, including political or personal grievances.
Chebet also revealed that Gogo had recently requested additional police protection, stating that the request was under review when the house was set ablaze.
“The MP has had a male bodyguard but had asked her office to provide her with a female police officer as well. We were still considering her request when the fire incident occurred,” Chebet said.
Kibra family die in morning fire
In another tragic report, a fire broke out around 5am in the Makina area of Kibera, Nairobi, destroying homes and killing a family of five.
The victims were identified as Ernest Ombima, 36, his wife Flora Ambani, 33, and their three children: nine-year-old Getrude Amisi, three-year-old Silas Omboko, and toddler Stephen Ayimbo.
The family had just moved from Esirulo village in Emuhaya, Vihiga county, to Nairobi in search of better opportunities.
Additional reporting by Florence Owiti, TUKO correspondent.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
