POLICE COMMANDER URGES COUPLES TO RESOLVE DISPUTES PEACEFULLY AFTER RENTAL HOUSES TORCHED

By Emmanuel Kipkoech

Residents of Kimogoro Trading Centre in Amalo, South Narok Sub-County, are counting their blessings after a fire allegedly started by a man following a domestic dispute destroyed more than seven wooden rental houses but caused no loss of life.

Speaking after the incident, South Narok Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Mwoni urged couples and families to embrace peaceful ways of resolving relationship disagreements to prevent tragedies that endanger lives and destroy property.

According to police reports, the suspect is alleged to have set the houses on fire after a disagreement with his girlfriend, who was reportedly living in one of the rental units. The man fled the scene shortly after the incident, prompting police to launch a manhunt.

The fire spread rapidly through the wooden structures, causing panic among tenants who were forced to flee for safety. Residents quickly responded to the emergency and joined efforts to contain the blaze before it could spread to additional houses and nearby business premises.

The owner of the affected houses, Jeremiah Kirui, expressed gratitude that no one was injured despite the extensive destruction.

"We are grateful that the people living in those houses managed to escape and save their lives. We must be careful about whom we allow to live in our houses," said Kirui.

His brother, Dominic Kirui, called for thorough screening of tenants to improve security and accountability within rental properties.

"When someone comes to rent a house from you, you should thoroughly vet them and obtain their identification documents so that they can be traced in case an incident occurs that threatens the lives of other tenants," he said.

Police officers joined residents in battling the flames and successfully helped extinguish the fire.

Mwoni assured residents that investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the suspect to justice.

"We suspect that this fire was deliberately started by someone. The matter is under investigation, and everything will be handled professionally. Anyone found guilty will be taken to court," he stated.

The police commander also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report fire outbreaks and suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

"Be very vigilant and report immediately whenever you notice fire incidents in rental houses, business premises, or homes, especially to the nearest police station," Mwoni advised.

The incident has sparked concern among residents over the rising cases of domestic disputes that often escalate and put entire communities at risk. Community leaders have called on families and couples to promote peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and unity as a way of preventing similar occurrences in the future.