Authorities in Siaya County have initiated a manhunt for the assailants responsible for the brutal murder of an assistant chief in Rarieda. The assistant chief of Memba sub-location, Moses Mbeda, was attacked and killed by unknown individuals in his compound on the night of Saturday, September 21, 2024.
According to police reports, the attack occurred at around 1 a.m. when Mbeda was ambushed by the assailants while at his home. Siaya County Police Commander Serah Koki confirmed that Mbeda had gone to use a latrine within his compound when the attackers struck. He sustained severe injuries, particularly a deep cut on his neck, inflicted by what is believed to have been a machete or other sharp weapon.
Despite being rushed to the nearby Lwak Mission Hospital, Mbeda was pronounced dead upon arrival due to the severity of his injuries. His body has since been moved to the hospital’s mortuary, where it will undergo a postmortem examination as investigators continue to search for answers.
Police Response and Investigation
A team of detectives has been dispatched to Memba sub-location to investigate the murder. Authorities are pursuing multiple leads in an effort to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous crime. While no arrests have been made thus far, police are optimistic that the investigation will uncover valuable clues regarding the motive behind the attack.
Commander Koki emphasized that the investigators are treating the case with urgency, acknowledging the significance of Mbeda’s role as an assistant chief. Assistant chiefs serve as critical intermediaries between the national government and local communities, making the murder not only a tragic loss but also a potential disruption to the administrative system in the area.
“We are following every lead we have. This murder has shocked the local community, and we are determined to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” Koki said, adding that it was too early to speculate on the motive behind the killing.
Community Shock and Fear
Memba sub-location has been left in shock by the attack, with local residents expressing concerns over the rising insecurity in the area. Many have called for swift action from the police to not only catch the culprits but also to bolster security measures for government officials and community leaders, whose roles often place them in vulnerable positions.
“We are deeply saddened and frightened by what has happened to our assistant chief. He was a respected man in the community, always helpful and available when people needed him,” one resident said.
The brutal nature of the crime has intensified the fear within the community, with many calling for more robust security measures, especially for public servants in remote areas.
Murder Case in Kiambu
While police in Siaya continue their investigation into Mbeda’s murder, authorities in Kiambu are dealing with a similarly mysterious death. On Sunday, the body of an unidentified man was found hanging from a tree in Kangoya area, Ndumberi.
Police responded to the scene and discovered the man’s body suspended from a rope. Investigators noted that his hands were tied, leading them to suspect foul play. Although there were no visible injuries on the body, the fact that his hands were bound suggests that the man was murdered before being hanged in an attempt to make the death appear as a suicide.
The body has been moved to the City Mortuary in Nairobi, where it will undergo postmortem examination. Police are working to establish the man’s identity and determine the circumstances leading to his death. Like the case in Siaya, no arrests have been made yet, but detectives are actively investigating the matter.
Rising Insecurity Concerns
These two cases, occurring within days of each other, have raised concerns over the increasing instances of violent crime in rural and suburban areas of Kenya. The murder of a government official in Siaya and the discovery of a body in Kiambu highlight the urgent need for stronger security measures and enhanced investigative efforts across the country.
As the manhunt for Memba’s killers continues, the community is hopeful that the police will bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. Meanwhile, the nation watches closely as these investigations unfold, urging authorities to address the growing insecurity and ensure safety for all citizens.
