Police officers in the Tongaren Constituency area of Bungoma County are searching for a 29-year-old man from Mitua-Nzoia village, who is alleged to have killed his 61-year-old biological father on Christmas night by slashing him on the head with a machete, after the deceased tried to intervene in a domestic quarrel between the suspect and his wife.
According to the deceased’s wife, Gladys Sifuma, Mr. Amisi Shikuku was killed by his son, Paul Onjili, on Christmas night after stepping in to restore peace while the suspect was quarrelling with his wife.
“It was around 9:00 p.m. The old man was eating when the suspect passed by with his wife. Shortly afterward we heard screams. I said the young woman might be killed and I should go and rescue her. The old man tried to stop me, but I insisted.”
Ms. Sifuma says that she found her son holding the woman and assaulting her, and her attempt to separate them failed. When the elderly man arrived at the scene, he was attacked with a machete and died on the spot.
“When I was overpowered, my husband arrived and also tried to resolve the dispute. Unfortunately, the son slashed him with a machete four times. He did not scream; he just went silent and died instantly.”
The incident shocked residents of the area, as the bereaved family mourned the killing, describing the deceased as a peace-loving man who cared deeply for his family.
Kabuyefwe Chief, Kennedy Barasa, has urged couples to seek regular counseling from religious leaders and government administrators whenever they face domestic challenges, in order to avoid such tragic incidents.
Barasa also strongly blamed the widespread abuse and trafficking of drugs in the area, saying it has contributed to the rising cases of crime. He added that those involved will face the full force of the law.
