Baringo man hacks granny to death then starts slashing spree

Residents of Logir village in Baringo in shock after a 90 year old granny was killed by her immediate neighbour {PHOTO BY KIPSANG JOSEPH}

A sombre mood has engulfed Logri village in Mogotio, Baringo County, after a man allegedly hacked a 90-year-old grandmother to death.

The 33-year-old suspect is said to have broken into the house of Rebecca Toyoi early yesterday before attacking the victim with a panga and slitting her throat.

Witnesses said the suspect, currently in police custody, might have been looking for money as the house had been ransacked and clothes scattered all over.

Family members said Toyoi might not have heard the suspect break the window as she might have been deep asleep and it was also raining heavily.

Gabriel Selembu, son of the deceased, said he received a call at around 9am informing him that his mother had been hacked to death by a neighbour.

The granny was sleeping alone in the house when she was attacked.

Selembu's wife, Beatrice, said she discovered her mother-in-law was dead at around 7.30am when she went to her house to prepare her breakfast.

"I was shocked to find the door open and there was pin-drop silence," she said.

She said she entered the house only to find the deceased lying in a pool of blood.

Locals said the suspect worked at the victim's homestead and they had a good relationship.

"I am surprised and in shock. The suspect spends most of his time in the homestead. My mother-in-law would prepare and serve him meals," she said.

After killing the granny, the suspect is said to have gone around attacking more people. He attacked three other people, including two members of his family and a neighbour, whom he left with serious injuries.

He attacked his brother with a panga, the same one he is suspected to have used to kill Toyoi. His brother was in his house taking breakfast when the suspect stormed.

The brother said the suspect was armed with two pangas and threatened to kill him. He was saved by neighbours who were attracted by his cries.

Prior to the incident, the suspect is said to have broken into his mother's house the same night and engaged her in a quarrel.

Mogotio assistant chief Simon Tanui said the suspect may have been under the influence of drugs. Some family members said Kipsang never listens to advice.