Prime suspect in arson attack that killed 9 Siaya family members arrested in Nairobi

Christopher Okello Owino, 56, was apprehended in the Kianda area inside his house while having supper with his children. He had reportedly gone into hiding after learning that detectives were pursuing him.

According to authorities, detectives received a tip-off about Owino’s presence in the area just hours after the horrific fire incident in Sigomere that wiped out an entire family. Residents who knew Owino raised suspicions after he informed them he had traveled to his rural home on the night of the incident.

Acting swiftly, police officers—supported by local leaders in Kianda—launched an operation and arrested him. He is currently being held at Kibra Police Station.

Kibra Sub County Police Commander Patricia Yegon confirmed the arrest, adding that coordination with Ugunja police is underway to reconcile details before taking further action.

Earlier on Wednesday, Owino’s wife was arrested in Sigomere after police recovered an oil can believed to have been used to set the blaze. During initial questioning, Owino admitted he was aware of his wife’s arrest and detention at Ugunja Police Station.

Detectives have also confiscated the suspect’s phones for forensic analysis as part of efforts to identify and arrest possible accomplices. Sources close to the investigation revealed that Owino allegedly hired a group of associates and traveled with them to Upanda village in the early morning hours to commit the crime before returning to Nairobi.

In a bizarre twist, Owino is said to have hosted church members at his Kibra home on Wednesday evening for prayers after his rural house was torched by irate villagers in an apparent retaliation attack.