A 50-year-old man was brutally hacked to death on the evening of Tuesday, April 23, in what appears to be a violent confrontation over a suspected love triangle. The shocking incident took place at a bar in Makutano town, Kapenguria, located in West Pokot County.
According to preliminary police reports, the deceased, identified as Peter Ngoriana, was attacked at around 8:00 p.m. while enjoying a drink at Regency Club. Witnesses at the scene recounted how a man, later identified as Benjamin Limakwang, suddenly emerged and launched a vicious assault on Ngoriana using a panga, inflicting multiple deep cuts. Limakwang, who is known locally as a night watchman stationed at Huduma Centre in Makutano, had concealed the weapon inside a sack before striking.
The motive behind the deadly attack is believed to stem from allegations that Ngoriana was involved in an affair with the suspect’s wife. This suspicion, according to investigators, may have driven Limakwang to commit the heinous act in a fit of rage. However, authorities have confirmed that the woman at the center of the alleged affair was not present at the bar at the time of the attack.
The sudden and brutal nature of the incident has shocked the local community, many of whom knew both the suspect and the victim. Residents described Ngoriana as a calm and sociable man who was a frequent patron at the club. The club itself, usually a place for relaxation and camaraderie, quickly turned into a scene of horror as panicked patrons scattered and the suspect fled.
Law enforcement officers arrived shortly after the attack was reported. Unfortunately, despite efforts by bystanders to assist, Ngoriana succumbed to his injuries on the spot. His body was later moved to the Kapenguria County Referral Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination is expected to be conducted as part of ongoing investigations.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for Limakwang, who disappeared immediately after the attack. The police are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to his arrest, describing him as dangerous and urging anyone who may have seen him to report to the nearest police station.
The incident has sparked conversations in the area regarding domestic disputes and the dangers of taking justice into one’s own hands. Community leaders and local elders are calling for calm and restraint, emphasizing the importance of resolving personal grievances through legal and non-violent means. They have also urged couples facing marital issues to seek counseling or mediation rather than resorting to violence.
As investigations continue, police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice is served. They are also exploring whether the suspect had premeditated the attack, given the manner in which the weapon was concealed and the timing of the ambush.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over Makutano town, prompting both mourning and reflection among residents. It serves as a grim reminder of how quickly personal disputes can escalate into irreversible acts of violence, leaving behind grief and devastation for families and communities.
