Grief engulfed the Gem Sori Kachiena location in Rangwe Sub County after a 61-year-old man was killed over a land dispute.
The deceased, identified as Joseph Owuoth, was killed following a dispute with a head teacher of a Comprehensive School in the area.
According to Gem Central Location Chief Peter Oula, the incident occurred when Owuoth found that the head teacher had ploughed the disputed land and destroyed his maize that was due for harvesting.
The Chief said this led to a verbal exchange between the two before Owuoth’s brother prevailed upon them for a ceasefire temporarily.
However, after a few hours, the head teacher mobilised his brother, who is also a teacher and attacked Owuoth and his wife.
The administrator said Owuoth sustained multiple fractures and injuries on the head, while his wife also sustained panga cuts and blunt object injuries on various parts of the body.
The deceased and his wife were rushed to Kisii County Referral Hospital but Owuoth was confirmed dead on arrival, while his wife was admitted in critical condition.
The Chief said that a court hearing on the disputed land was scheduled for February 18.
“They had taken the matter to court and they were supposed to attend a court proceeding on February 18,” Oula said, adding that the piece of land had been contested by the two for many years.
“As chiefs, we had tried to solve the dispute but the two failed to agree. We therefore advised them to go to court and seek legal redress,” Oula said.
Oula urged residents to be law-abiding in dealing with disputes. “I urge our people to abide by the rule of law. There are many avenues of solving disputes without causing any injuries or death,” Oula added.
Rangwe Police Commander Magdalene Chebet said they have launched investigations into the matter.
“Our team of investigators is on the ground to investigate the matter. Some of them will go to Kisii, where one of the victims is receiving medical care,” Chebet said.
By Davis Langat
