Deadly family feud over land boundary leaves one brother dead

The deceased was hacked to death. [iStockphoto]

Police in Kakamega North have started investigations into the death of a 30-year-old man who was allegedly murdered by his sibling over a land dispute at Cheptuli village in Malava.

The suspect, who has gone into hiding, is said to have attacked and killed Reuben Muganda. Another brother, Mukhwami Muganda, is nursing leg injuries at Malava sub-County Hospital.

"According to locals, the victim was uprooting a sisal plant that was planted to create a road boundary before he was attacked by one of the suspects who is at large. Reuben was hacked with a panga and was pronounced dead on the way to hospital," said Shivanga chief Simeon Nambwa.

Mr Nambwa also said that the men's father, Majimbo Muganda, was in custody for allegedly starting the fight. The chief urged residents to follow the law while solving land cases.

"Let's not allow disputes to lead to death since it affects the younger generation. Let's embrace the law since it will help solve disputes amicably. I urge residents to remain calm and allow investigation to take place," he said.

Malava OCPD Paul Mwenda said Reuben's body had been taken to Lugulu Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

"It's a very sad incident where the same family is fighting over boundary issues. We are still gathering more information and the suspects will be charged in court," he said.

Elsewhere, grief engulfed Mufutu village in Lugari after the body of a 64-year-old man identified as Fabian Ambeyi was found dangling on a rope in his house.

The dead man's brother, Consepta Khitembuli, said that Ambeyi had been having constant wrangles with his wife before she left him.

"My brother called me saying he was depressed after the wife ran away with all belongings in the house. I told him to be calm and that he would get over her. I didn't expect he would take his life."