Police have launched an investigation into a fire that destroyed the home of Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo in Omoche village, Gem East ward, Homa Bay County. The incident occurred on Friday night, with preliminary findings suggesting that the blaze was the result of arson.
According to authorities, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but early evidence points to deliberate ignition. Investigators have collected samples and materials from the scene to aid in forensic analysis. The motive behind the suspected arson remains unclear, and several persons of interest are expected to be questioned in the coming days.
At the time of the fire, no one was present at the residence. The MP said she was in Kisumu attending funeral arrangements for the late Hon. Raila Odinga when she received news that her home had been engulfed in flames. She expressed shock over the incident and urged security agencies to move swiftly in uncovering the cause and taking appropriate legal action.
“I appeal to our security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure justice is served,” she said.
Police have ruled out an electrical fault as a possible cause, noting that there was a blackout in the area when the fire started. Rangwe police confirmed that no family member or domestic worker was at the homestead throughout the day, which further eliminates the possibility of an accidental fire.
Residents who responded to the emergency were unable to access the compound because the gate was locked with a padlock. Police officers later forced entry and tried to contain the fire using water from a nearby borehole, managing to salvage only a few items from the kitchen before the flames consumed the rest of the house.
Investigations have also revealed that the MP had recently requested additional security. She was already assigned one bodyguard and had asked for a female officer to join her protection detail. Authorities said this request was still being processed at the time of the incident.
The property has since been secured by police as the investigation continues. Officers are working to determine whether the fire was an accident or a deliberate act of sabotage targeting the legislator.
