A chilling incident unfolded in Ugenya, Siaya County, after a man walked into a local police station and confessed to killing his 85-year-old grandmother. The suspect, who lived with the deceased in Diere village, claimed he murdered her because she was practising witchcraft.
Following his confession, police officers rushed to the scene, where they found the lifeless body of the elderly woman, identified as Jennifer Aduor Aoko, lying in a pool of blood. Early investigations revealed that the woman had been attacked with a spade, which was discovered at the scene bearing bloodstains. Authorities believe it was the weapon used in the gruesome killing.
The tragic incident, which occurred on May 28, has shocked the local community. Residents expressed disbelief over the suspect’s claims, with some pointing out that accusations of witchcraft have, in the past, led to similar acts of violence in the region. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue. The body of the deceased was taken to the mortuary for a postmortem to determine the exact cause of death.
This is not the only violent crime that occurred in recent days. In Meru County, a pillion passenger was shot dead by unknown assailants in an ambush along the Ndumuru-Mea road on the night of May 27. The deceased, identified as Moses Gikundi, was travelling with a motorcycle rider and another passenger when they were attacked near the Kaleso Nyange area.
According to the rider, gunmen opened fire on them without warning. In a bid to escape, the rider sped off, but Gikundi was hit and fell off the motorcycle. Despite their immediate report to the nearby Mea Police Station, officers did not visit the scene until the following day. Upon arrival, they found Gikundi’s body by the roadside, bearing a gunshot wound to the chest. Interestingly, the attackers did not take any of the victim’s belongings, leaving authorities puzzled over the motive of the attack. Investigations are ongoing to establish the identities and reasons behind the ambush.
Meanwhile, in Elgeyo Marakwet County, another tragic murder was reported in Kaptalamwa. A 26-year-old man, Titus Kosgei Maiyo, was found dead following a violent confrontation. Initial findings suggest that the fatal attack stemmed from a dispute involving a love triangle.
Maiyo was reportedly hacked to death by an assailant who fled the scene immediately after the incident. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect, and efforts to apprehend him for questioning are underway. Police believe that emotions ran high during the confrontation, culminating in the deadly outcome.
The body of the deceased was moved to a local mortuary, where a postmortem will be conducted. The incident adds to the growing list of domestic and interpersonal violence cases reported across various counties.
These recent occurrences have sparked concern over the rising trend of violent crimes linked to personal grievances, superstition, and unresolved disputes. Community leaders and local authorities are being urged to promote conflict resolution and raise awareness on the consequences of taking the law into one’s hands. At the same time, there is growing pressure on law enforcement agencies to respond promptly and effectively to such cases, ensuring justice is served and deterrence is reinforced.
