Police in Homa Bay County are investigating a mysterious night fire that razed down the rural home of Rangwe Member of Parliament, Dr. Lilian Gogo, an outspoken Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator and two-term MP.

The inferno, which broke out on Friday night, completely destroyed the homestead.

Preliminary reports from police indicate that the house was engulfed by flames under unclear circumstances, with witnesses describing the blaze as “massive and unstoppable.”

Rangwe Sub-County Police Commander Magdaline Chebet confirmed the incident, saying investigators have already ruled out an electrical fault as the possible cause.

“There was a blackout around the village when the fire broke out. Our officers arrived at the scene to find neighbours outside the compound, unable to enter because the gate was locked,” Chebet said.

“We managed to retrieve a few items from the kitchen, but the main house and much of the property were already destroyed,” she added.

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MP Receives News While Attending Raila’s Funeral Programme

Dr. Gogo, who was in Nairobi for the late Raila Odinga’s funeral arrangements, said she received the shocking news through a phone call on Friday night.

“I was attending Baba’s funeral programme when I got the call informing me that my house was on fire. I am still in shock and confused about what happened,” she stated.

Images shared online showed the aftermath of the tragedy, blackened walls, twisted metal sheets, and burnt furniture, with the remains of her home now reduced to rubble.

The MP, a respected academic and food scientist, has been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and agricultural innovation in Homa Bay County.

As investigations continue, police have not yet established whether foul play was involved.

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Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives in Kisumu Ahead of Final Rites

Meanwhile, in related events, the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived in Kisumu in the early hours of Saturday for public viewing.

The arrival drew thousands of mourners who thronged Kisumu International Airport and surrounding roads to pay their respects.

After the brief viewing, the body will be airlifted by a military aircraft to Bondo, Siaya County, for another viewing session and an overnight vigil at his family home.

Preparations are underway for Sunday’s final burial ceremony, during which Raila will be laid to rest beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, marking the end of an era for Kenya’s political landscape.

Raila Odinga in traditional attires during past traditional event. PHOTO/Standard