Eric Omondi urges Kenyans to help man who lost 9 family members in fire
Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has called on Kenyans to support Leonard Ochieng, a man who recently lost nine family members in a devastating suspected arson attack in Sigomere, Siaya County.
The tragedy occurred when unknown assailants set fire to a house during the night, claiming the lives of Ochieng’s older brother Richard Ouma Opondo, his wife Wilchister Anyango, and their seven children: Lorene (17), Melvin (15), Sheila (12), Davis (9), Ryan (7), Noela (5), and Leon, a six-month-old infant.
In the wake of the tragedy, Eric Omondi took to Instagram to rally support for Leonard Ochieng, who is now struggling to bury his family. Omondi revealed that the funeral had to be postponed due to financial constraints. He pleaded with the public to help raise Ksh 1.5 million to facilitate the burial.
“We are almost at Ksh 500k. We are burying on Friday. Please let’s get Leonard to at least 1.5 million. He lost 9 of his family members in one fire. The emotional and mental burden is already too much to bear,” Omondi said in a post.
“Leonard Ochieng Opondo lost his entire family—7 children and 2 adults—in a fire and is now unable to bury them. He was to be buried today, but had to be postponed. His pain is already too much. Let’s help him bury next Friday,” Omondi stated in a previous statement
Omondi shared Ochieng’s phone number for those willing to send financial assistance, reminding the public that even the smallest contribution could make a difference during such an unimaginably painful time.
9 killed in arson attack
The victims were asleep in their home when the attackers locked the doors from the outside and set the house ablaze using petrol. The family had no chance to escape and was burned beyond recognition. According to Siaya County Commissioner Norbat Komora, the motive behind the attack is believed to be linked to a long-standing land dispute.
Speaking about the incident, the family’s caretaker, Sylvester Omondi, said he woke up at midnight to the strong smell of petrol. Alarmed, he rushed outside and saw the family’s house engulfed in flames. He tried to break down the door to rescue the victims but was unsuccessful.
Police officers and members of the community responded and managed to put out the fire, but it was too late to save the family.
Authorities at the scene recovered a jerrycan with fuel and a matchbox, believed to have been left behind by the attackers. Area Chief Robert Odongo confirmed the items were found near the burnt house, strongly pointing to arson.
“We found a jerrycan with fuel fluids and a match box at the scene of the incident, “Odongo said.
The family had reportedly won a 10-year land dispute in court just days before the attack. Leonard Ochieng’, the younger brother of the deceased father, believes this tragic event is directly linked to that case. He called on authorities to act swiftly and ensure justice is served.
Local leaders, including the area Member of County Assembly, Andrew Omwende, have also condemned the attack and urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter. Omwende urged the community to remain calm and allow law enforcement to do their job.
So far, one person of interest, Rosaline Atieno Okello, has been arrested. Police also recovered a container believed to have been used to carry petrol. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The nine bodies were taken to Ambira Sub-County Mortuary, where autopsies were to be conducted.
