Locals call for probe on arson attacks

Nambale OCPD Robert Ndambiri inspects vehicle belonging to the catholic priest that criminals wanted to burn as curious residents of Kisoko look on. [Ignatius Odanga/Standard

A spate of arson attacks in Kisoko, Nambale Constituency, has caused fear among residents.

So far, at least five houses have been torched in a week with residents suspecting a gang is behind the night crime.

Last Friday night unsuccessful attempt to burn a car belonging to Kisoko Catholic Church priest, Fr James Otaga, at the parking bay, shocked many in the area. Fr Otaga and his farmhand, however, managed to put out the fire on time.

Residents now want police to get to the bottom of the matter.

“We have never witnessed this kind of crime in Kisoko, police should conduct investigation and arrest the people behind the arson,” said Samuel Makokha, a local.

Kisoko village administrator Anne Oliwa said the attempt to burn the priest's vehicle has left many in shock.

 “The aim was to see the vehicle explode because they lit the fire from the bonnet of the car but we managed to save it, otherwise it would have caused a disaster,” said Otaga.

The priest said the incident happened barely three years after he was robbed of cash by known people at the same premise.

Nambale Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Robert Ndambiri said they are investigating the matter.

“There is a gang burning houses, we are taking the matter seriously and those behind will soon be arrested and prosecuted,” said Mr Ndambiri.