Police in Gem, Yala Sub-County, are investigating an incident where a family lost seven cows and nine sheep following a suspected arson incident at Murumba village last night.

The area residents woke up to a shocking incident after suspected arsonists set the family’s cattle pen ablaze burning the seven cows and nine sheep beyond recognition.

The caretaker of the home, Daniel Owino, told Radio Ramogi that he was woken up by neighbours at around 4.00 am that the cattle pen was up in flames. He rushed to the scene only to find it already engulfed in the fierce fire with all the animals inside.

A relative, Samuel Owiti, stated that through the help of members of the public, the caretaker tried to put out the fire in vain adding that he was only lucky to save one sheep.

Owiti says they suspect the fire might have been caused by one of their neighbors who has had problems with the caretaker, and they now want that neighbor investigated.

The area village elder Mr. Joe Odenyo said that he got information about the ill-feted incident at around 5.30 am in the morning and informed the area Assistant Chief who later invited the police to scene.

While confirming the incident, the Assistant Chief Ms. Millicent Auma Otieno condemned the incident, saying that investigations have already been launched into the matter warning that the suspects shall be arrested and be brought to book.

She later directed the family to bury the remains of the animals since the majority had been burnt to ashes.