A couple appeared before the Siaya High Court facing murder charges in connection with a fire incident that claimed the lives of nine family members in Upanda village in Siaya County two months ago.
Christopher Owino and his wife, Roseline Atieno, were arraigned before Justice David Kemei, facing nine counts of murder related to the tragic deaths of the nine family members.
The couple denied responsibility for 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.
Through their lawyer, Owino and Atieno applied for a cash bail of Ksh.500,000, pledging to comply with any conditions set by the court.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, stating that an affidavit needed to be filed before any consideration.
Justice Kemei scheduled 9th June 2025 as the date for a ruling on whether the couple would be granted bail or not.
The victims, aged between six months and 17 years, lost their lives on April 23, 2024 when their home was set ablaze by unknown arsonists.
They were laid to rest on May 9, at their Upanda home, with grieving relatives calling for swift legal proceedings.
