NAIROBI, Kenya – Two homes belonging to supporters of Bumula MP Jack Wamboka were set on fire in a suspected overnight arson attack in Bungoma County, intensifying tensions in an area that has recently witnessed confrontations between rival political groups.
The fires broke out at approximately 2am on Saturday, November 14, in Mwiyenga village, Kimaeti Ward, targeting the homes of Boniface Wakwabubi and Mwalimu Ben Wang’unda.
The families were asleep when the fires started. Neighbours responded after receiving distress calls and helped contain the flames before they could spread further.
Residents suspect petrol was used to start the fires, although investigators have yet to establish the cause or identify those responsible.
The incidents have heightened fears among residents amid growing political divisions involving supporters of Wamboka and those allied to former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga, who is associated with the Kenya Kwanza political camp.
Residents Describe Night of Terror
Wang’unda said he woke up to thick smoke shortly after 2am and discovered that his sitting room was on fire.
He said he used a torch to inspect the house and avoided switching on the lights after detecting what he believed was the smell of petrol.
“I found fire in the sitting room. I could smell petrol, so I did not switch on the lights,” he said.
Wang’unda added that he contacted Miyanga Police Station but was informed that officers did not have a vehicle available. He subsequently called friends who mobilised neighbours to help extinguish the fire.
Wakwabubi, whose home was also targeted, appealed to political leaders and their supporters to resolve their differences peacefully.
“In politics, you persuade; you do not use force to make someone follow you. Everyone must be allowed to freely choose leaders of their choice,” he said.
Another resident, George Sangura, alleged that two men accosted him recently as he returned home, with one threatening to kill him and claiming he would face no consequences.
The residents say the incidents have created an atmosphere of fear, with some people allegedly being threatened or assaulted because of their political affiliations.
Mabonga Accuses Wamboka’s Team Over Separate Confrontation
Mabonga has rejected suggestions that the fires were politically motivated attacks against Wamboka’s supporters, describing the allegations as stage-managed.
Instead, he accused Wamboka of leading a group into Mwiyenga village following a confrontation at a funeral in Khelela village on Friday, November 13.
Mabonga claimed the incident left five members of his team injured and resulted in the theft of a licensed firearm belonging to his protection officer.
He also alleged that several residents were injured during the subsequent confrontation in Mwiyenga, saying his priority was to ensure those affected received medical attention.
Mabonga said his team had reported the incidents to security agencies and called for investigations into the alleged assaults and firearm theft.
“Political intimidation and manufactured narratives will not deter us from serving our community. We remain committed to peace, accountability and standing firmly with our people,” he said.
The Khelela confrontation has also attracted police attention. A separate report published on November 14 indicated that two suspects had been arrested following an assault on a prison officer serving as Mabonga’s bodyguard and the theft of his firearm during the funeral violence.
Wamboka Demands Action From Security Agencies
Wamboka visited the affected village alongside members of his political team and condemned the burning of the two homes.
The MP described the incidents as deliberate attempts to intimidate his supporters and criticised security agencies for what he termed inadequate protection of residents.
He called for the arrest of those responsible for the attacks, including individuals he accused of financing or mobilising groups involved in political violence.
“Our people cannot continue living in fear, while criminals operate with impunity. Security agencies must take responsibility, protect lives and property, and ensure justice is served,” Wamboka said.
He also urged police officers to remain impartial and protect the constitutional right of residents to support candidates of their choice.
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga also condemned the attacks, warning against attempts to use intimidation to influence political loyalties.
“Don’t coerce people. Let them exercise their democratic rights. You had your time and it expired. As the Linda Mwananchi Movement family, an attack on one is an attack on all,” Kalasinga said.
Wamboka and Kalasinga are associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement, a political outfit linked to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Police Investigations Underway
Police investigations are expected to establish how the two fires started, who was involved and whether the incidents were connected to the political confrontations reported in the constituency.
The competing accounts from Wamboka and Mabonga have added to calls for an impartial investigation into both the house fires and the earlier violence at Khelela.
Residents have urged security agencies to increase patrols and prevent further confrontations, warning that political disagreements should not threaten families or destroy property.
For now, the identities of those responsible for the Mwiyenga fires and the motive behind the attacks remain unestablished.
