Couple charged over with Siaya fire that claimed nine family members
Christopher Owino and his wife, Roseline Atieno, appeared before Justice David Kemei, where they were each charged with nine counts of murder in connection with the fatal blaze.
A couple was on Monday arraigned at the Siaya High Court to face murder charges linked to a fire tragedy that left nine members of the same family dead in Upanda village, Siaya County, two months ago.
Christopher Owino and his wife, Roseline Atieno, appeared before Justice David Kemei, where they were each charged with nine counts of murder in connection with the fatal blaze.
They denied any involvement in the deaths of Ouma Opondo Adalla, his wife Jecinter Anyango, and their seven children: Seline Atieno, Lyon Otieno, Loela Atieno, Loice Achieng, Davis Ochieng, Rayan Odhiambo, and Melvin Ochieng.
Represented by their lawyer, Owino and Atieno requested bail set at Ksh. 500,000, assuring the court they would adhere to any conditions imposed.
The prosecution, however, opposed the bail request, arguing that an affidavit must be submitted before the court could consider the application.
Justice Kemei set June 9, 2025, as the date to rule on whether the couple will be granted bail.
The victims, whose ages ranged from six months to 17 years, died on April 23, 2024, when unknown arsonists set their home on fire.
The victims were buried on May 9 at their Upanda home, where mourning relatives urged for a speedy conclusion to the legal process.
