A tragic incident unfolded in Aolo village, East Kamagak location, when a 15-year-old Form Three student was accused of maiming his cousin during a violent altercation. The victim, a Grade Seven pupil, lost his left hand after the teenager allegedly attacked him with a machete. The dispute reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over money that had been intended to purchase sugar.
According to local authorities, the suspect had been given money to buy sugar, but instead of fulfilling this request, he kept the money. When his cousin, the victim, confronted him about the issue, an argument escalated into a physical altercation. As tensions rose, the suspect used a machete to attack his cousin, severing the victim’s left hand.
The altercation, which occurred in the presence of neighbors, drew immediate attention. The victim’s screams and the sounds of the fight were heard, prompting locals to rush to the scene. Upon arriving, they found the young boy in excruciating pain, desperately trying to stem the bleeding from the severed hand. The neighbors quickly sprang into action, helping the victim by taking him to Rachuonyo South Sub-county Hospital in Oyugis town for emergency medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the assailant was apprehended at the scene and taken into police custody. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was being held at Kosele Police Station in Rachuonyo South sub-county, where he faces charges related to the violent attack. Investigations are currently underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and whether additional charges will be brought.
The violent outburst has sparked a wave of concern and anger in the local community, particularly given the young ages of both the perpetrator and the victim. Senior Assistant Chief Daniel Odhiambo of Kawere West Sub-location noted that it was a tragic outcome for a relatively small issue. He also highlighted the fact that the suspect had been entrusted with money for a simple task, yet his failure to follow through with it led to a devastating consequence.
This incident is a stark reminder of how quickly small disputes can escalate into life-altering tragedies, especially when access to weapons, such as machetes, is common. The use of such a weapon in a domestic conflict raises critical questions about safety and conflict resolution within the community.
The authorities are working to ensure that justice is served in the case, and the incident has raised broader concerns about the safety of young people in volatile domestic environments. In the aftermath of the attack, local leaders are calling for greater awareness of the consequences of violence and the importance of finding peaceful solutions to conflicts.
As the investigation continues, the community remains shaken by the brutality of the attack, with many reflecting on the dire consequences of letting anger and frustration take such a violent turn. The victim’s family, along with the wider community, is left to grapple with the aftermath of an incident that has left a young boy seriously injured and a family torn apart.
