By Sysvoline Atieno
Shock and grief have engulfed Weonia village in the Sikhendu area of Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, following the brutal killing of a 53-year-old man in a family land dispute that spiraled out of control.
The deceased, identified as Shadrack Maruti, was reportedly attacked on June 9 by his two stepbrothers, with alleged involvement from their mother, during a heated confrontation over land inheritance. According to police reports, the suspects stormed Maruti’s homestead and assaulted him with blunt objects before fleeing the scene.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jacinta Wesonga confirmed the incident and stated that a manhunt for the suspects is currently underway.
“We are investigating the matter and pursuing the suspects. Preliminary findings show that the dispute was over land ownership. The victim sustained fatal injuries inflicted by blunt objects,” said Wesonga.
News of Maruti’s death triggered outrage among local residents. In retaliation, an angry mob descended on the home of one of the suspects, torching a house and vandalizing other properties. Police arrived at the scene shortly after to restore order. No arrests have been made in connection with the arson, though investigations are ongoing.
A villager who spoke on condition of anonymity described Maruti as a peace-loving man.
“Shadrack was a peaceful man. It is unfortunate that family issues had to end this way. We are tired of land fights leading to death,” the resident said.
The body of the deceased has been moved to the Trans Nzoia County mortuary, where a postmortem is expected to be conducted as required by law.
Local leaders have expressed concern over the rising number of fatal land disputes and are calling for non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.
“Land conflicts are tearing apart communities. We urge residents to seek help from authorities or elders before resorting to violence,” said Peter Wekesa, the area Member of County Assembly (MCA).
This tragic incident adds to a disturbing trend of violence in rural areas. In Bungoma, a herdsman identified as George Oduori was recently found dead with stab wounds. In Tharaka Nithi, a man was killed following a disagreement over beer payments. Meanwhile, in Machakos, a man was discovered dead under unclear circumstances, bearing injuries to his private parts.
Authorities warn that unless families pursue dialogue and legal resolution mechanisms, such fatal incidents may continue. Police are urging anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts to report to the nearest station immediately.
As Weonia village mourns, the broader community is left to grapple with yet another life lost over land—a reminder of the urgent need for cultural and legal reform in dispute resolution.
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