Detectives are investigating a tragic incident in Kitengela, Kajiado County, where a 48-year-old man identified as Vincent Opon Kisangi, died in a house fire under circumstances suspected to be suicide triggered by a love triangle.
Kisangi and his wife reportedly left the house to an undisclosed location on Monday. He returned two days later without his wife and went to their bedroom, the housekeeper, Ms. Ann Atieno told investigators.
Ms. Atieno recounted being abruptly awoken and ordered by Kisangi to vacate the premises immediately. She said at this point, he had already inflicted severe self-harm. He then locked himself in and set the house ablaze.
“When I woke up, he had already stabbed himself in the chin, stomach and chest and was bleeding profusely. I grabbed my belongings and left the compound,” Atieno said.
The intensity of the fire left Kisangi’s remains unrecognisable, as the entire modern bungalow was reduced to ashes.
Detectives found two empty gas cylinders in the bedroom where Kisangi’s charred body was discovered, raising suspicions that he utilised them to ignite the fire.
Neighbours said the deceased and his wife have been going through some turbulent domestic situation, and they observed a notable decline in his demeanor and mental state.
“I used to work as a maid for the couple a few years ago. The man used to be full of life and happy. A boisterous laugh was his trademark whenever he was in the house. Lately, he has been a pale shadow of his former self. Sad,” a neighbor who once worked for the couple said.
Kisangi was previously involved in quarry operations before transitioning to supplying building materials. Detectives are honing in on a possible extramarital affair as a significant aspect of their inquiries.
Despite being summoned, Kisangi’s wife, a pivotal figure in the inquiry, has yet to show up or provide a statement, fuelling speculation about her involvement and alleged ties to another man.
There are suspicions that the razed house belonged to Kisangi’s wife of many years. Although there are claims he was only her Kenyan lover, and that her husband has been living in America for at least 10 years.
“We have received some information that the house that went up in flames belonged to the woman who had been living with the deceased for years. We are trying to unravel the mystery and are conducting a forensic examination of the couple’s phone conversation in the last few days,” one of the detectives working on the case said.
The investigation, led by Isinya Sub-county Directorate of Criminal Investigation Officer Simon Kirui, will require some crucial statements from key individuals, particularly Kisangi’s wife.
“The woman’s statement will be very helpful in further investigations. She is yet to turn up,” Mr Kirui said on Friday. He did not disclose any further information on the case to the press.