Horrific attack on Nyamira coffee leader's family now linked to politics

Although Nyamira County Commissioner Josephine Onunga had earlier linked Geoffrey Kamonde's killing to a disputed coffee Sacco election, fresh theories have emerged. (Photo: File/Standard)

The killing of a coffee Sacco official and his wife in Nyamusi village, Nyamira County is now being linked to political rivalry.

Geoffrey Kamonde and his wife Jemima Kamonde were killed on Friday.

Mr Kamonde was shot thrice while his wife succumbed to injuries sustained from sulphuric acid which was splashed on her, their two children – Marion Kamonde, 11, and Phiromex Ogato, 15 – and a neighbour, Florence Onyamo, 35.

Kemonde's wife succumbed to her injuries while being referred to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Although Nyamira County Commissioner Josephine Onunga had earlier linked Kamonde's killing to a disputed coffee Sacco election, fresh theories have emerged.

Late last month, two people from the same village were also killed.

Paul Nyanumba and Nyagaresi Nyamboga were killed a day after they held a press conference threatening to hold demonstrations over the stalled construction of Nyamusi market.

Mr Nyanumba was the chairman of community policing and also the chairperson of Nyamusi market, which is at the centre of controversy between traders and the area CDF management over its stalled development.

Five men were later arrested and are helping the police with investigations.

County Co-ordinating Police Commander Mwarungu Mwandoe said they were searching for an AK47 rifle believed to have been used in the killings.

One of the victims had gunshot wounds to the head and chest while the other one was found at Nyamusi market with deep panga cuts all over his body.

Kemonde was shot with an AK47 rifle just like the other two victims. He was a close friend of senior local politicians.

Residents believe Kemonde could have been killed because of his political stand and influence in the area.

"In the past, he has been close to some politicians. He is always on the winning side. These deaths have a link and we want the police to tell us who these people walking around with firearms are," said a resident only identified as Mochoge.

Area MP Charles Geni said the murders were raising a lot of concern.

"Police should come out immediately and arrest those involved in these killings. We don't want any more excuses," he said.

Nyamira County Assembly Speaker Joash Nyamoko said the police should conduct thorough investigations on the killings, which were pointing to political assassination.

Mr Nyamoko urged police not to leave any stone un-turned in the quest for justice for the families of the slain victims.

Meanwhile, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have started probing the Friday killings in Nyamusi. One person is in police custody.

Three survivors are still admitted at Kisii Level Five Hospital where they were said to be in critical condition.

Hospital CEO Enock Ondari said they were processing referrals for the three to Kenyatta National Hospital.