By REUBEN OLITA
April 29, 2026| She was not his wife. She says she was never his wife. He was simply a friend. Period.
That is the message from a woman linked to the prime suspect in the torching of a five-house rental unit in Amagoro Town, Teso North—a man now on the run.
The burnt property sits about 200 metres from the Motel/Booster Road, its charred walls still shocking neighbours who watched flames consume it. The suspect’s alleged connection to the woman? Misunderstood, she insists.
On Tuesday, Teso North Sub-County Police Commander Charles Chepkong’a told a press briefing that the woman had recorded an official statement setting the record straight. Earlier reports had suggested a marital link. She would have none of it.
“People should stop levelling various theories about whether he was legally married to me,” the woman stated, according to Chepkong’a. “He was just a friend. Period.”
Chepkong’a confirmed that investigations are now fully underway, led by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The DCIO visited the scene on Tuesday to begin piecing together what happened—and who is responsible.
The police boss also revealed that a multi-agency security team, led by Sub-County Security Chairman DCC Solomon Kitai and himself, responded swiftly, dispatching a fire engine to contain the blaze before it could devour nearby residential houses.
So far, three individuals have recorded statements. Police believe the information gathered will be crucial in determining whether the widely alleged suspect was indeed the arsonist.
But there are gaps. Chepkong’a noted that three tenants who lived in the affected five-house unit—owned by retired diplomat Levy Emurgat—have yet to record their statements.
“The statements will guide us in ascertaining who was involved in this macabre act that has shocked area residents,” he said.
Earlier, local leaders led by Malaba Central Ward MCA aspirant Frank Wangula visited the scene. They called for swift investigations into an incident that has left residents puzzled—and frightened.
Wangula also singled out one man for praise: firefighter Mark Wesonga, whose bravery helped contain the blaze. The aspirant urged the county government to consider employing Wesonga on permanent and pensionable terms—a small reward for a big risk.
For now, the suspect remains at large. The woman has spoken. The police are hunting. And Amagoro waits for answers.