A 49-year-old man is in critical condition at Siaya County Referral Hospital after his wife reportedly set him on fire while he was asleep.
The shocking incident happened in Ndua Village, Kakum Kombewa Sub-Location, leaving residents in disbelief.
The victim, Joseph Onyango Ochieng, was sleeping in his house when his wife, Mercy Anyango Ochieng, also known as Nyakano, allegedly poured petrol on him and set him ablaze.
Neighbors said the fire quickly consumed parts of the house, and Onyango was rescued with severe burns.
According to a police report filed at Ndere Police Post on January 7, 2025, Onyango was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Doctors describe his condition as critical but stable. Authorities have stated that plans are underway to transfer him to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, for specialized treatment.
The motive for the attack is still unclear, but neighbors suspect it could be linked to ongoing domestic conflicts. Police are yet to establish the full details of what led to the horrifying act.
Suspect at large
Meanwhile, the suspect, Mercy Anyango, fled the scene after the attack. Police have launched a manhunt to arrest her and bring her to justice.
They have therefore, urged members of the public to provide any useful information that might help locate her.
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The incident has sparked conversations in the village about domestic violence and its devastating consequences.
Community leaders have called for counseling programs and conflict resolution initiatives to address the root causes of such tragedies.
As Onyango fights for his life, the community remains shaken by the violent act. Residents hope justice will be served and that awareness about domestic violence will help prevent similar incidents in the future.
