Kakamega man was asleep when his house was set ablaze; he was burnt to death

A family in Budonga ward in Kakamega county is demanding justice following the mysterious killing of their kin by unknown people on February 8.

Francis Barasa was asleep in his home at around 11pm when his house was doused with petrol and set ablaze. He burnt to death. According to Barnabus Baraza, a brother to the deceased, he heard screams coming from his house and rushed to the scene.

“I was sleeping when I had noise from his house. When I walked in, his mud walled house was on fire. My brother tried to find his way outside but he was overwhelmed by the inferno,” he said.
According to Baraza, those who killed his brother could be the same people who masterminded an attack on him last week.

“On Tuesday, a group attacked my brother, they maimed him and he was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital for treatment. He was later moved to Kakamega County Referral Hospital where he recuperated until he was discharged two days before the unfortunate incident,” narrated an emotional Baraza.

“They knew my brother would reveal their identity so they came to finish him off. Up to now, we do not have an idea why they wanted him dead. We urge the police to unravel the mystery. Though he is gone, arresting the perpetrators will make the pain bearable.”

At the time the incident happened, the victim’s wife was in Nairobi with their child. Locals have condemned the act, urging law enforcers to arrest the culprits.

Led by Alfred Wawire, a villager elder, they urged the public to seek alternative means of solving disputes.
“Where have we lost our sanity, snuffing out someone’s life by burning him with petrol is the height of inhumanity. This must be stopped. We shall do all it takes to bring the perpetrators to book,” said Wawire.

Kakamega County Police Commander Hassan Barua urged locals to foster peace, saying they have launched investigations..

“Our officers are investigating the case and hopefully, it will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. We continue to urge the public not to use violent means to solve disputes. There are other ways of solving disputes,” said Barua.