Suspect arrested over deadly arson attack at Mukuru's Boma Yangu units

The suspect believed to be behind an arson attack in Mukuru, which left an eight-year-old girl dead and three other family members with serious burns, has been arrested.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Ronald Nyakohe, was apprehended in Isinya, where he had been hiding. The attack occurred at a government housing estate known as Boma Yangu in Mukuru on Wednesday last week.

Speaking to Citizen TV after the arrest, Nyakohe claimed that his wife, who is currently hospitalised at Kenyatta National Hospital with severe burn injuries, had tried to leave him, allegedly because he had no money.

Investigations suggest the motive behind the attack stemmed from a domestic dispute.

“Baada ya mkutano, huyu jamaa alionekana akimngoja mama amalize mkutano. Alikuwa pale Imara akiwa na pikipiki. Mama akamwambia siwezi ingia kwa pikipiki, wacha mimi nipande gari niende kwa nyumba. Huyo jamaa akapark pikipiki yake akamfuata hadi stage, akaingia kwa gari akaanza kuvuta nyuma mpaka makanga wakamkataza," said a resident Benson Ombasa.

The seventh-floor apartment now stands eerily silent, a grim reminder of the tragedy. Outside, the scene remains cordoned off as police investigations continue.

At Kenyatta National Hospital, the mother and her child continue to fight for their lives.

Ronald was arrested in Isinya, Kajiado County, at around 2 a.m. and transported to the Makadara Directorate of Criminal Investigations. During the arrest, he gave an account of what allegedly led to the attack, saying he felt jilted despite having invested his life and resources into the marriage.

The Makadara police commander confirmed the arrest, while the suspect’s lawyer decried being denied access to his client, who is currently in custody.

“We’ve made efforts to access the accused, who is here, but the same has been denied, and that is against what is recommended under Article 50," stated the accused lawyer, Frank Onchwere.

While the suspect was in hiding in Isinya, Kajiado County, he has since been brought to the DCI Makadara division, where he is being held as he awaits arraignment in court.