Man beaten to death for defiling daughter's body

According to Sarambei Assistant Chief Joseph Ng'eno, angry family members set on Lang'at, attacking him and leaving him unconscious.PHOTO:COURTESY

A 45-year-old man was lynched after being caught defiling the body of his 15-year-old daughter.

Hassan Lang'at was caught by members of his family and neighbours in the bizarre act on Friday last week.

The Standard Six pupil had been ailing at home after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She died on Thursday night at around 8pm.

When she died, Lang'at was said to have been away on a drinking spree. Upon coming back home, he started mourning the loss of his daughter.

Later, he is said to have directed the family to place the body inside an isolated house in the homestead as they waited to take it to the mortuary the following day for preservation.

However, at around 2am, Lang'at is reported to have slipped into the house where his daughter's body lay.

Members of the family who went to check on him were shocked to find him defiling the body.

According to Sarambei Assistant Chief Joseph Ng'eno, angry family members set on Lang'at, attacking him and leaving him unconscious.

"Lang'at was beaten mercilessly after they allegedly caught him defiling the body of his daughter, who succumbed to a brain tumour," said Ng'eno.

Lang'at later died in hospital.

"The deceased was taken to St Joseph hospital. He died while undergoing treatment," said the assistant chief.

Ng'eno said Lang'at's wife recorded a statement at Mau Summit police post.

His neighbours expressed shock at the incident.

"I have never seen or heard of such an incident. I went to the homestead and was shocked because it was my first time to hear about such an incident," said Mr Jared Nyakundi.

Family members said they feared reprisals from the dead girl's spirit.

According to Ng'eno, the family will have to perform traditional cleansing rituals.