This archive report was first published on 3 January 2020.
On New Year's Day in 2020, a dramatic scene unfolded in Samaki estate, Busia, as a 60-year-old man, George Otieno, set his residential house ablaze in a fit of anger.
According to reports, Otieno had arrived at his rented house from his rural home in Sega, Siaya County, at around midnight, only to find his two children telling him that their mother had gone to a pub in Busia town to celebrate the New Year.
Enraged, Otieno called his wife to confirm the information and then proceeded to Busia town, where he purchased half a litre of petrol. He later returned to his house, sprinkled the petrol in the sitting room, and set it ablaze.
Fortunately, members of the public assisted in putting off the fire before it could spread to other houses.
Busia County Deputy Police Commander Richard Cheruiyot confirmed the incident, stating that Otieno later presented himself at the police station.
Cheruiyot added that property of unknown value was destroyed in the sitting room, but fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.
“However, property of unknown value got burnt in the sitting room but nobody was injured during the incident,” Cheruiyot said.
The police boss urged couples to resolve their issues amicably instead of resorting to such criminal acts, adding that Otieno will soon be arraigned in court and charged with arson.
