Seven Houses Torched in Kumi in Revenge Attack

Angry residents have torched seven houses in Ojeruna Cell, Ongino Town Council Kumi District to retaliate the killing of a mobile money operator.

Kokas Okoboi 23 was involved in a fight with a resident only identified as Ojulong on January 1, 2022. He was rushed to Ongino Hospital and Cure Hospital in Mbale after he reportedly sustained injuries from the fight.

When information reached residents on Wednesday that Okoboi had died, his relatives mobilized residents and set ablaze Ojulong’s home and those of his close relatives.

This forced the occupants to flee for their lives, leaving property worth millions of shillings burnt into ashes.

Joseph Akol, the Chairperson of Ojeruna Cell says that the attack on the families took them by surprise.

“It’s the first of its kind in this area and this has brought in a lot of tension in the village. The two families have not been in any form of conflict until last Saturday when these boys fought,” he said.

Nelson Elungat, the Kumi LCV Chairperson says that that mob justice and acts of retaliation are becoming common in the district. He urged the residents to refrain from putting the law into their hands but rather follow lawful processes.

James Kawalya, the District Police Commander says that they have opened up investigations into the matter. He also says that police is hunting for the ringleaders of the attack.

Solomon Amusu, a friend to the deceased says that Okoboi had inspired and changed many lives in the village at the age of 23. Okoboi was a student at Jerressar High School but later ventured into business when schools were closed due to the covid-19 pandemic.