Kilifi County was rocked by a gruesome murder after a 54-year-old man was brutally killed and his body set ablaze in what authorities suspect is a result of a long-standing land dispute. The incident, which took place on the night of Sunday, February 9, in Mgamboni village, Ganze Sub-county, has sent shockwaves through the community.
According to police reports, the deceased, Katana Mula, had attended a funeral in the neighborhood earlier that day. After the burial, a group of assailants reportedly trailed him back to his home, located about 200 meters from the funeral venue. In a brutal attack, the perpetrators first struck him on the head with a blunt object, rendering him unconscious. They then severed his left hand and both legs before setting his body on fire inside his house.
Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene and launched a murder probe into the horrific incident. Kilifi County Referral Hospital received the victim’s remains for an autopsy as investigations continue. No arrests have been made yet, but authorities have vowed to ensure justice is served.
Police in Kilifi have expressed concern over the increasing number of murder cases linked to land disputes. They noted that in some cases, victims are falsely accused of practicing witchcraft before being attacked and killed. In response, a multi-agency task force has been deployed to address the growing menace and prevent further loss of lives.
Meanwhile, another tragic incident was reported in Silibwet, Bomet County, where a man was slashed to death in a violent altercation. Witnesses and police reports indicate that an assailant, armed with a panga, attacked two victims at their homestead. One of the victims, Benard Kiprotich, 36, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other was rushed to Tenwek AGC Hospital with severe hand injuries.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack, but investigations are underway. The victim’s body was taken to a local mortuary pending an autopsy. Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled immediately after committing the crime.
These incidents highlight the alarming rise in violent crimes across different parts of the country. Authorities are urging communities to seek peaceful resolutions to disputes and to report threats to the police to avoid such tragic outcomes. With ongoing investigations, the affected families hope justice will be served swiftly.
