On the night of December 17th, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Kambeche village, North Kanyamkago location, Uriri sub-county, Migori County. A man in his early twenties, identified as Hosea Awino, was arrested and detained at the Oria police station following accusations of hacking his stepbrother, Eliab Otieno, to death over a land dispute. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions surrounding land ownership in the region and underscores the need for peaceful resolution mechanisms.
According to North Kanyamkago location Chief Silvance Owiti, the murder occurred at around midnight when Hosea Awino attacked Eliab Otieno at his home. Owiti stated that the suspect’s motivation was tied to a land dispute between the two brothers. “The suspect claimed that the deceased wanted to evict him from the piece of land he currently occupies,” said Owiti, shedding light on the root cause of the tragic altercation.
The attack reportedly escalated quickly. Awino, armed with a machete, ambushed Otieno at his home, striking him multiple times in a brutal assault. Family members who were awoken by the commotion rushed to the scene to find Otieno seriously injured. Despite their best efforts to get him to the hospital, Otieno succumbed to his injuries before reaching medical assistance. This unfortunate death has left the community in shock and mourning, highlighting the deadly consequences of unresolved land disputes in the area.
Chief Owiti emphasized the need for families to resolve land conflicts amicably and through legal channels rather than resorting to violence. “It’s important for families to seek intervention from relevant offices or institutions that specialize in conflict resolution,” he urged, adding that many disputes can be mitigated through dialogue and mediation rather than confrontation. He noted that the land dispute between the brothers had been ongoing for several months, with escalating tensions finally resulting in the fatal attack.
This incident has not only raised concerns among the local residents but has also highlighted the broader issue of land disputes in Migori County and across Kenya. Land-related conflicts are a common source of violence, particularly in rural areas where land is seen as a valuable and limited resource. In many cases, disputes arise over inheritance, boundary demarcations, or ownership rights, often leading to destructive confrontations within families and communities.
The government, through relevant authorities, has been making efforts to address these land disputes through community engagement, education, and legal mechanisms. In Migori, for example, the Land Control Board and the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning play crucial roles in mediating disputes and educating residents on their rights and responsibilities regarding land ownership. However, there remains a significant gap in effective conflict resolution strategies that can preempt such tragedies.
Owiti’s appeal to families is timely and serves as a reminder of the importance of preventive measures. “If families are having disagreements over land, they should reach out to us or other relevant offices for help,” he said, highlighting that mediation and negotiation can often prevent conflicts from escalating to violence. The authorities in Migori are also encouraging communities to use local councils of elders and peace committees to handle disputes before they reach the stage of violence.
As Hosea Awino remains in police custody awaiting further investigation and trial, the community in Kambeche village is left grappling with the loss of Eliab Otieno. The brutal nature of his death has forced many to reflect on the importance of land as a source of livelihood and the dangers of unresolved disputes. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future.
In conclusion, this tragic incident in Uriri sub-county calls for a renewed effort from the government, local leaders, and communities to find lasting solutions to land disputes. Addressing these conflicts through legal means, mediation, and education can help prevent further violence and ensure that such senseless acts of violence are not repeated. Hosea Awino’s arrest provides a critical opportunity for the community to reflect on the underlying issues and to work together towards a more peaceful resolution to land disputes in the region.
