A 30-year-old night guard, identified as Ben Peter, was fatally stabbed while attempting to break up a violent altercation at Kitu Moto Night Club in Siaya town. The tragic event unfolded around 1:30 a.m., leading to a chain of events that left the local community in mourning and raised questions about public safety in entertainment venues.
According to Siaya County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo, the disturbance began when a disagreement erupted among a group of revellers at the nightclub, which is situated adjacent to the Administration Police canteen. Witnesses report that the altercation quickly escalated, prompting Ben Peter to step in and attempt to restore order. However, his intervention took a deadly turn when one of the patrons, 35-year-old Brian Otieno Ogola, produced a knife and attacked the watchman.
Eyewitnesses describe a chaotic scene as Ogola and Peter clashed amidst the frenzied crowd. Ogola, who had been partying at the nightclub with friends, allegedly drew the knife during the confrontation and inflicted multiple stab wounds on Peter. The severity of the injuries was apparent as Peter was rushed to the Siaya County Referral Hospital. Despite urgent medical attention, Peter succumbed to his wounds shortly after arrival.
The Siaya County Police were alerted to the incident by Michael Mugola, who reported the commotion at the nightclub. Responding swiftly to the scene, officers discovered Ogola being assaulted by the enraged crowd. To control the situation, the police fired six rounds into the air, dispersing the irate crowd and allowing them to rescue Ogola, who was also injured in the fracas. He was transported to the hospital with multiple head injuries, sustained during the melee.
Ogola’s condition remains critical as he undergoes treatment under the watch of police officers. The authorities have indicated that once Ogola’s health stabilizes, he will face charges related to the murder of Ben Peter. The police have recovered a knife with blood stains from the crime scene, which will serve as key evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The incident has sent ripples of shock and grief through the local community. Many residents and patrons of the nightclub have expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased, while also calling for justice and greater security measures in public spaces. The violent nature of the attack has raised concerns about safety protocols in entertainment venues, prompting discussions on the need for enhanced security to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Siaya County Police Commander confirmed that the crime scene has been thoroughly processed and documented. The body of Ben Peter has been moved to the Siaya County Referral Hospital morgue, where it will be preserved pending a postmortem examination. This will help determine the exact cause of death and provide further insights into the nature of the injuries inflicted.
Kimaiyo assured the public that the police are committed to bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice. The authorities are working diligently to piece together the details of the incident and ensure that all involved are held accountable.
As the investigation progresses, the community remains hopeful for justice and reflects on the profound impact of the loss of Ben Peter. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in public spaces and underscores the need for vigilance and preventive measures to safeguard individuals in such settings. The police, along with community leaders, are tasked with addressing the aftermath and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.