A 27-year-old man was stabbed to death on Sunday, August 28, by a friend after they differed over an illicit brew bill in Marmanet, Laikipia County.
John Kiptoo was reportedly stabbed several times with a kitchen knife by the suspect James Kiugu, 72, at a 'kangara' den in Kajiando village.
According to witnesses, the two were in the company of other people when they started quarrelling before Kiugu stabbed Kiptoo in the chest.
"It all started as a joke over who will pay for their drinks. Little did we know that it would end in death," said Bethwel Cheruiyot, a close friend of the deceased.
Confirming the incident, Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said the police have launched investigations.
"We are holding the suspect, and he will be arraigned to face murder charges," said Kanyiri.
Kiugu was arrested after being rescued from an irate mob accusing police officers based at the Siron Police Post of taking too long to respond to their distress calls.
They claimed that reports of illicit brews were on the rise in the area and efforts to seek help from the local administration to curb the vice have been futile.
The body was taken to Nyahururu County Referral Hospital mortuary.
Kiugu is being held at Nyahururu Police Station awaiting arraignment.
