HOMA BAY, Kenya — Police have launched investigations after the home of Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo was gutted by fire on Friday night in what authorities suspect may have been an arson attack.
The incident occurred in East Gem Ward while the legislator was in Nairobi attending funeral events for the late ODM leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Family members said the inferno destroyed household items and personal belongings of unknown value. No injuries were reported.
Rangwe Sub-County Police Commander Magdaline Chebet confirmed the incident, saying preliminary findings had ruled out an electrical fault as the cause.
“There was a blackout around the village at the time the fire broke out. We have, however, started investigations to determine what caused the incident,” Chebet said.
According to police, no one was at home when the fire started, and the compound gate was locked when officers arrived.
“We found neighbours gathered outside the compound, but they were unable to access the premises because the gate was locked,” Chebet added.
Responding officers reportedly broke through the gate and used water from a nearby borehole to battle the flames, but most of the property was already destroyed by the time they arrived.
MP Gogo said she was informed of the incident while attending the funeral programme in Nairobi.
“I was attending Baba’s funeral when I got the call informing me that my house was on fire. I am still in shock and confused about what happened,” she said.
The legislator condemned the incident, describing it as a deliberate act of sabotage, and urged police to pursue those responsible.
Police sources revealed that Gogo had earlier requested additional security. Chebet confirmed the MP has one bodyguard and had recently asked for a female officer to be added to her detail.
“We were still processing her request for an additional officer when the fire incident occurred,” Chebet said.
Authorities have since secured the property as investigations continue to establish whether the fire was accidental or caused by foul play.
