Killings targeting elderly women shock residents

The bizarre killings have shocked residents and local leaders, who are demanding that the perpetrators are apprehended immediately and that police officers increase night patrols. [iStockphoto]

Police in Lugari sub-County are looking into two mysterious murders involving elderly women in the villages of Mautuma and Mayoni.

According to preliminary investigations, the women were raped and killed in a strikingly similar manner.

The bizarre killings have shocked residents and local leaders, who are demanding that the perpetrators are apprehended immediately and that police officers increase night patrols.

Thugs, according to residents, attack at night, rape and murder their victims, and steal their valuables and household items such as phones, mattresses, and food.

The most recent incident occurred in Mayoni village, where Jane Mmbone, 66, was killed by unknown people in the middle of the night and her body was left at the door leading to her sitting room.

The incident occurred only 500m from the residence of Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula.

On December 30, 2022, a relative going to collect a hen from her house discovered the body and raised alarm.

"It wasn't the first time people had broken into her house; just recently, unknown people sneaked into her house and stole maize and mattresses belonging to her son, a catholic priest living in Kitale," said James Keisha, the deceased's relative.

A neighbour, Juliet Agiza, said they had recovered maize stolen from the deceased's house at the gate days before she was killed.

In the second incident, the attackers murdered the woman and stole maize and a cellphone from her. Unknown people raped and killed the 78-year-old widow in Mautuma, Lugari.

According to her family members, the attackers gained access to the home after demolishing a section of the mud wall. Before fleeing, they stole maize from the deceased's house.

Lugari sub-county police commander Bernard Ngungu confirmed the arrest of three suspects who are assisting security officers in the ongoing investigations. Ngungu was reluctant to divulge more information.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera said many young men have resorted to abusing drugs, leading them into committing such crimes.