Police have launched investigations into a suspected arson incident after a vehicle belonging to a local chief was set ablaze in the early hours of the morning in Juja.

The incident was reported at around 1:30am Tuesday morning by a neighbour who lives next to the area chief and just a few metres from Juja Farm Police Station.

The tenant told police that she was awakened by a strong smell of smoke coming from outside and upon peeping through her window, she noticed that the chief's vehicle was on fire.

She immediately raised the alarm, prompting neighbours to rush to the scene. Working together, they managed to extinguish the fire using water before it spread further. However, by the time the flames were put out, the vehicle had sustained damage to its rear left side and front right side. The engine compartment was not affected by the fire.

Residents who responded to the incident told investigators that they heard footsteps within the compound shortly before the fire broke out, raising suspicion that the incident may have been deliberately planned.

The chief has reportedly expressed concern that the attack could be linked to her efforts in combating crime and the sale of illicit alcohol within the area.

“I suspect the fire may have been started by individuals unhappy with my work in fighting crime and illegal brews,” the chief told investigators.

Police officers led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Juja Farm, visited and processed the scene as part of preliminary investigations.

Detectives are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

No arrests had been made by the time of filing this report, and investigations remain ongoing.