‎A primary school head teacher and members of his extended family have been left homeless after their houses were torched by an angry mob following the deaths of two people in a long-running land dispute in Rangwe Sub-county, Homa Bay County.

‎Peter Agong, the head teacher of Onyege Comprehensive School, lost his permanent house and all household property after residents of Wi Kawiti village, Gem Sori Kachiena Location, allegedly linked him to the deaths of retired teacher Joseph Owuoth and his wife, Pamela Owuoth.

‎Joseph Owuoth died on Sunday while Pamela succumbed to her injuries on Monday night while receiving treatment at Kisii County Referral Hospital.

‎According to local residents, tension in the area escalated after news spread that Pamela had also died, prompting villagers to mobilise and march to Agong’s home with the intention of confronting him.

‎“They were very angry when they learnt that Pamela had passed on. The mob went to Agong’s home looking for him but did not find anyone,” said a resident who sought anonymity.

‎When the mob failed to find Agong or any member of his immediate family, they allegedly set his permanent house on fire, destroying all property inside. The attackers also burnt his sugarcane plantation, vandalized his sugarcane crusher and drove away or stole his livestock.

‎After destroying Agong’s homestead, the mob reportedly moved to his parents’ compound, where they torched two houses belonging to his mother and stepmother and burnt down his mother’s posho mill.

‎The attackers then proceeded to the homestead of Agong’s brother, where they set two houses ablaze.

‎Local administrators said members of the affected families had earlier received intelligence about a planned attack and fled the area for their safety.

‎The violence stems from a physical confrontation on Sunday between Joseph Owuoth and a group allegedly led by Agong over a land boundary dispute.

‎During the confrontation, both Joseph and Pamela Owuoth sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Kisii County Referral Hospital. Joseph was pronounced dead on arrival, while Pamela was admitted but later succumbed to her injuries on Monday night.

‎Police have launched investigations into the deaths and the subsequent arson attacks, describing the situation as volatile.

‎Rangwe Sub-county police officials said officers have been deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further violence.

‎“We are investigating the circumstances that led to the deaths as well as the destruction of property. Anyone found culpable will be arrested and charged,” said Rangwe Deputy County Commissioner Robert Nzuki.

‎Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, warning against taking matters into their own hands.

‎Local leaders led by Rangwe MP Lillian Gogo, have also called for dialogue to resolve the land dispute, noting that unresolved conflicts over land continue to be a major source of violence in the region.

‎Meanwhile, the displaced families are appealing for protection and assistance as they seek a safe place to rebuild their lives.