A cloud of sorrow hangs over Ikoli village in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, following the brutal murder of a 73-year-old man in what is suspected to be a land dispute. His wife is currently fighting for her life at Kakamega County Referral Hospital after sustaining severe injuries during the attack.
According to witnesses, a group of unknown assailants stormed the elderly man’s homestead at midnight, mercilessly attacking him and his wife. The deceased’s daughter, Rose Ititi, narrated the horrific ordeal, revealing that her father was killed on the spot while her stepmother suffered life-threatening injuries, including having her tongue severed.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack may have been motivated by a longstanding family land dispute. Reports indicate that the deceased had allegedly withheld the land title deed, preventing his brothers from accessing the ownership documents. This situation is believed to have fueled tensions within the family, ultimately leading to the tragic incident.
Speaking on the matter, Ikoli Chief Moses Namutali urged the bereaved family and residents to remain calm as law enforcement officers conduct investigations. He assured the community that authorities are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The deceased, a polygamous man, leaves behind 34 children and four wives. His large family is now grappling with the devastating loss while seeking answers and justice for their slain patriarch.
The murder has sparked concerns over the rising cases of land-related conflicts in the region. Community leaders have called for peaceful resolutions to disputes, emphasizing the importance of legal processes in handling land ownership matters.
Meanwhile, Kakamega County authorities have promised to intensify security measures to curb such violent incidents. Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activities and seek intervention from relevant authorities to prevent conflicts from escalating into violence.
As investigations continue, the village of Ikoli remains in mourning, hoping that justice will be served for the fallen elder and his critically injured wife.
