Police in Kitengela, Kajiado County have arrested a house agent suspected of killing a tenant following a Sh1,500 rent arrears dispute at Noonkopir Estate.
Maurice Otieno Sande was allegedly struck on the head with a hammer during a confrontation with the agent over unpaid October rent on Friday evening.
Residents said the agent had visited the premises to follow up on tenants, who had not paid their rent, when he confronted Sande over the outstanding amount.
Sande reportedly explained that he was expecting his salary and asked for more time to clear the arrears.
Joseph Kinuthia, who witnessed the incident, said the agent became angry and insisted that the landlord could not wait until later in the day to receive the money.
“The agent was not willing to give him more time. He insisted that the rent had to be paid immediately,” said Kinuthia.
He said the agent briefly left the premises, but returned carrying a hammer. “He came back with a hammer and struck Sande on the head. It happened so fast, and he collapsed,” Kinuthia recounted.
Another neighbour, Margaret Mutheu, said the incident left residents shocked, particularly because it arose from a relatively small amount of rent arrears.
“We are still shocked that a disagreement over a mere Sh1,500 could end in someone’s death. Such disputes should be handled peacefully,” she said.
Sande died at the scene, prompting anger among residents, who called for justice and urged landlords and property agents to use lawful channels, when pursuing rent arrears.
Police officers visited the scene and moved the body to the Kitengela sub county hospital mortuary, pending a postmortem examination.
The suspected killer is being held at Kitengela Police station and is expected to be arraigned at the Kajiado Law Courts on Monday.
by Rop Janet
