Seven houses burnt in Kisii over murder of a 40 year old woman

Seven houses have been set ablaze in Marani Sub County, Kisii County in a revenge attack after a 40 year old woman was allegedly killed by her stepsons.

Tabitha Barongo, a mother of two was allegedly killed 10 days ago over a land dispute.

On Thursday, when the body of the deceased was being taken home for burial, irate villagers descended on the seven houses belonging to the suspects.

Affected family members had gone missing few days after news of the widow's death broke out.

According to Kisii County police commander Mrs Agnes Mudamba the houses belonged to suspects who had been arrested in connection with the murder.

The deceased was allegedly dragged from her house and strangled at an unknown place before her body was dumped along the road, about 2 kilometers away.

Mrs Mudamba confirmed that the body had strangulation marks around the neck.

The killers had also tried to kill a four year minor who was staying with the woman. The minor managed to escape from the house and has been assisting police with investigation.

The county commander said the suspects were arrested separately in Homa Bay and Kitale.

The body of the deceased had been lying at Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue.

Area chief Mr Enas Ateka confirmed a long family land tussle pitting three widows in the family after their husband died in the year 2012.

The deceased was buried on Friday as it was planned earlier.