Kwania in shock: man sets self a blaze

24 February 2026, 19:25

By Winnie Auma

A 76-year-old man has died after setting himself on fire inside his house in Opok-kwele village, Kwania District.

The deceased has been identified as William Ongeng, a resident of the area. According to the Local Council One chairperson, Jimmy Olwee, the incident occurred on February 24, 2026, at around 4:00 p.m.Olwee says that he and other community members were seated at a nearby trading centre when they heard an explosion, followed by thick smoke rising from one of the houses.

He said some residents rushed to the scene, only to find Ongeng’s house engulfed in flames.Olwee explains that efforts to rescue the elderly man were unsuccessful as Ongeng had locked himself inside the house adding that by the time the fire was put out by the community, he had already died.

He said the matter was later reported to police at Kwania CPS, who arrived at the scene to retrieve the body for further procedures.Olwee further revealed that the deceased had recently been involved in a dispute with family members after selling a piece of family land.

The family reportedly demanded that he return the money, a situation believed to have deeply troubled him.

Meanwhile, the LC3 chairperson of Atongtidi Subcounty, Patrick Onyum Okwang condemned acts of suicide, noting that disputes can be resolved through peaceful and constructive means.

Onyum urged community members facing challenges to seek guidance from local leaders, elders, or religious leaders rather than resorting to self-harm, calling for stronger community support systems to prevent similar tragedies.