Class six pupil kills teacher after a fight over water

Police have arrested a Standard Six pupil for allegedly killing his teacher at Shihuli village in Shinyalu, Kakamega County, after a quarrel over water.

The late Maurice Khataka Shibutse (pictured), 47, is the immediate neighbour to the suspect, a P1 Teacher at Ihondolo Primary School. The 16-year-old pupil is in class six at Shihuli Primary school.

Everlyne Muhenje, the wife to the deceased told The Standard on Monday that the pupil came in the morning to fetch water from their well but the husband (Shibutse) denied him access and an argument ensued between them.

 “When my husband declined to permit the suspect to fetch water from our well, he forcibly tried to gain entry but he was overpowered. He then picked stones and hurled them at my husband and ran away,” claimed Muhenje.

She said the deceased was hit by stones on the left side of the head and he fell unconscious.

He was then rushed to St Elizabeth Mukumu hospital where he was admitted for specialised treatment and was later referred to the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral hospital.

Muhenje, who was in tears told The Standard that the husband died while receiving treatment at the referral facility.

 Area Chief Gerald Murunga confirmed the incident saying the life of a brilliant teacher had been cut short.

 “It’s very unfortunate that a life had to be cut short after a quarrel over water. This is a heinous act and we have lost a brilliant teacher, a husband and a father. The law will take its course notwithstanding the age of the suspect,” said Murunga.

Kakamega East Sub County Police Commander Robert Makau confirmed the arrest of the pupil saying he was in their custody awaiting prosecution as police continue to investigate the matter before he can be arraigned in court to answer to murder charges.