Detectives have arrested the man believed to be behind the deadly arson attack in Nyamakoroto, Nyamira County, which left four family members dead, including his wife and child.
The suspect, identified as Benson Nyongela Maeka, was arrested in Kibra, Nairobi, after investigators placed him at the scene of the crime. Nyongela’s wife, Maryanne Makini, their child, and Maryanne’s parents all perished in the inferno that destroyed the family home. The victims are yet to be laid to rest due to financial challenges facing the family.
Authorities revealed that the breakthrough came after two witnesses volunteered critical information following a widely shared online post about the murders. Their statements linked Nyongela to the incident, noting that he had not visited his in-laws since the tragedy.
Investigations point to a strained domestic relationship as a possible motive. Maryanne had reportedly returned to her parents’ home after disagreements with Nyongela. Attempts at reconciliation are said to have failed, possibly fueling the fatal attack.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect in Kaplong, where he lived with Maryanne before the fallout, shortly before the fire. He allegedly withdrew money, purchased petrol in a jerrycan, and had earlier sold household items in preparation.
Relatives also claimed that Nyongela misled them about his whereabouts, insisting he had relocated to Ukambani while secretly plotting the crime. He was further accused of possessing police uniform replicas, a source of conflict with his wife who was preparing to join Kisii University.
Police believe he may not have acted alone. Earlier on the same day of his arrest, detectives detained a second suspect identified only as Margaret, a maternal aunt of Maryanne. She is married to the brother of Maryanne’s mother, raising suspicions of her possible involvement.
The investigation remains active as detectives pursue additional leads and possible accomplices. Meanwhile, the families of the victims continue to grapple with grief as they prepare for the burials.
