DCI officers attached to Keroka Police Station have arrested the prime suspect in the Nyamakoroto arson attack that claimed the lives of four family members in Nyamira.

The suspect, Benson Nyongela Maeka, was apprehended on Friday, September 5 evening in Kibra, Nairobi, following detailed investigations that placed him at the crime scene.

Nyongela was the husband of Maryanne Makini, one of the victims who perished alongside her child. Maryanne’s parents — Nyongela’s parents-in-law — also died in the fire. The four have yet to be buried due to financial constraints.

The breakthrough came after two witnesses volunteered crucial information in response to a viral post on the murders. Security teams in Masaba North acted swiftly, linking Nyongela to the arson. Notably, he had not visited his in-laws’ home since the incident.

Witnesses, who have since recorded statements, revealed that the crime was plotted in Kaplong, where Nyongela lived with Maryanne before a domestic disagreement drove her back to her parents’ home. Attempts by Nyongela to reconcile were reportedly rebuffed, possibly motivating the attack.

On the night of the tragedy, he was spotted in Kaplong, withdrawing cash and purchasing petrol in a jerrycan. Days earlier, he had sold off his household belongings.

Relatives further allege that Nyongela, who once worked in Nyamakoroto before relocating to Kaplong, falsely claimed to have returned to Ukambani. He was also said to be in possession of police uniform replicas — a matter that had caused friction with his wife, who was preparing to join Kisii University.

The case remains under active investigation, with police pursuing possible accomplices.

The arrest of Nyongela came hours after detectives had apprehended a second suspect on Friday morning.

The suspect, only identified as Margaret from Magombo, is a maternal aunt to Maryanne. She is married to the brother of Jackline Bochaberi Makini (Maryanne’s mother).

Margaret now becomes the second prime suspect in the ongoing investigations.