Police in Elgeyo Marakwet County are on an intense manhunt for a suspect accused of killing his elder brother following a family dispute. The tragic incident, which has shocked residents of Kerio Valley, occurred in Boroko village, Kaben location, and involved a 33-year-old man, Elkana Kiprono Kisang, who allegedly attacked his 35-year-old brother, Edward Kiptarus Kisang.
According to preliminary police reports, the two brothers had been embroiled in a longstanding feud. Efforts to resolve their differences appeared successful during a meeting at their family home in Marich, where their mother, Kimoi Somokwony Suter, had intervened. The family hoped this reconciliation would end the animosity between the brothers. Unfortunately, the peace was short-lived.
Lured to His Death
On the day of the incident, Elkana reportedly invited Edward to a nearby shopping center, citing the need to finalize their reconciliation. It was during this meeting that Elkana allegedly turned violent, attacking his brother with a machete and an arrow.
Witnesses who arrived at the scene found Edward lying lifeless with severe injuries to his neck and the right side of his chest. The brutality of the attack has left the local community in disbelief. Residents describe the brothers as having had a strained relationship for years, but none anticipated such a violent outcome.
“Their mother had been instrumental in reconciling them, and we thought the matter was resolved,” said a neighbor who sought anonymity. “It’s heartbreaking that things took such a tragic turn.”
Family in Mourning
The Kisang family is reeling from the loss, with their mother reportedly devastated by the events. Speaking to local media, family members called for justice and urged Elkana to surrender to authorities.
“It’s hard to imagine that such a dispute could escalate to this level,” said a relative. “Edward was a father, a brother, and a friend to many in the community. His death leaves a void that will be hard to fill.”
Police Investigation
The body of the deceased was taken to Tot Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination as police continue their search for Elkana. Detectives believe the suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack and may be hiding in the rugged terrain of Kerio Valley, which has historically been a challenge for law enforcement due to its harsh landscape.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander James Mugera confirmed that investigations are underway. “We are working around the clock to apprehend the suspect. We urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward,” he said.
The commander also appealed to local residents to remain calm as the police pursue the case.
Calls for Reconciliation
The incident has sparked fresh conversations about family conflicts in the region, with local leaders emphasizing the importance of peaceful dispute resolution. Boroko village elders have called for unity, urging families to seek mediation through traditional channels or legal systems to avoid similar tragedies.
“This is a wake-up call for us as a community,” said village elder Kipchumba Kanda. “We must find better ways to resolve conflicts. No dispute should end in bloodshed.”
Rising Concerns Over Violence
The killing adds to a growing list of violent incidents reported in the Kerio Valley region, which has previously struggled with cases of cattle rustling and inter-community clashes. However, such a case involving siblings is rare and has left many questioning the social fabric of the community.
As the search for Elkana continues, the family and residents of Boroko village are left grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy that has torn apart a household and shaken the wider community.
Police have assured the public that justice will be served, and they are determined to bring the suspect to book. Meanwhile, the community is preparing to lay Edward to rest, even as they mourn a life cut short by a senseless act of violence.
