Man killed in family dispute as angry mob torches four houses in Kakamega
FILE IMAGE OF A POLICE LINE
A 31-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by his father and brother in a family dispute before an angry mob retaliated by burning down four houses at a homestead in Lusumu Village, Navakholo Sub-County, Kakamega County.
According to police, the incident was reported on Thursday evening.
The deceased, identified as Kevin Makaya Makomere, was found lying dead on the floor of his sitting room.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fatal confrontation stemmed from allegations that he had stolen a mobile phone belonging to his 68-year-old father.
Police said the alleged theft triggered a fight between the father and son. During the altercation, the father was reportedly joined by another son, 36, who is currently at large, and the two allegedly assaulted Kevin, leading to his death.
News of the killing quickly spread, attracting a large crowd of angry residents who threatened to lynch the suspects. The area assistant chief and village elders intervened and shielded the suspects from the mob as police officers from Navakholo Police Station, accompanied by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), rushed to the scene.
Officers dispersed the rowdy crowd using tear gas and blank ammunition, successfully recovering the body and rescuing one of the suspects.
However, shortly after police left the area, residents allegedly returned and set fire to the family homestead in retaliation. Four semi-permanent houses were completely destroyed in the blaze.
Police revisited the scene, documented the arson incident and launched investigations into both the murder and the destruction of property.
The body of the deceased was moved to the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
One suspect was arrested and placed in police custody, while a manhunt has been launched for the second suspect who remains at large. Investigations are ongoing.
And a 44-year-old man is recovering in hospital after he was attacked by a hippopotamus in Karabondi area, Rachuonyo North Sub-County, Homa Bay County.
The incident was reported to Kendubay Police Station on Thursday, although it occurred on June 9 at around 9:30 a.m.
According to police, the victim was on his way home within the Karabondi area when he was attacked by the wild animal.
The victim sustained injuries to his left knee and left elbow during the encounter.
He was rushed to Gendia Hospital, where he is currently admitted in stable condition and receiving treatment.
The incident has been reported to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), whose personnel have been notified and are expected to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to prevent further attacks.
Cases of human-wildlife conflict involving hippopotamuses are common in areas bordering water bodies, with authorities often urging residents to exercise caution, especially during early morning and evening hours when the animals are most active.