Two people killed in cold blood and their bodies mutilated

Diana Anungo at her Ebubala home in Butere. Her son Mosses Wetende allegedly died after consuming illicit drinks last year. [Chrispen Sechere/Standard]

Two people were on Tuesday night killed at Ituti village in Khwisero sub-county and their bodies mutilated.

Residents said they suspected the two were killed by members of an outlawed gang dubbed '42 brothers' that has been terrorising residents of Butere, Khwisero and Mumias sub-counties.

Paul Odera and Meleti Owade were found murdered and their mutilated bodies dumped by the roadside.

George Wesonga, a local resident, said they the two might have been killed elsewhere and their bodies dumped near their homes.

“We are living in fear as some of us have been warned of dire consequences by suspected members of the outlawed gang if we continue pressuring the police to arrest those involved,” said Mr Wesonga.

He claimed the attackers were notorious criminals who were well known to the police.

“We have recorded many statements with the police but they have ignored them. We suspect the police are working in cahoots with the criminals and that’s why no action is taken,” said Wesonga.

No action

An elder who sought anonymity said criminal activities in the area had increased in the past two months, noting that when they reported to the police who they suspected to be members, they are victimised by the gang the same day.

“By December last year, a total of 14 people had been killed in Khwisero and Butere sub-counties in a span of three months. Police set free suspects who were connected to the killings and they came back to haunt us,” said the elder.

Khwisero Deputy County Commissioner Ngeleyo Lotulia caid two suspects had been arrested.

“We have two suspects in police custody who are helping us with investigations. More arrests are to be made in connection to the murder and then the suspects will be taken to court,” said Mr Lotulia.

He denied the existence of the gang, saying the killings were as a result of criminal activities.

The bodies were taken to Yala sub-county hospital mortuary.

In December, last year, at least 12 suspected members of the gang linked to spate of attacks in Butere sub-county were arrested.

Western Regional Commissioner Anne Ng’etich said last year alone, Butere sub-county reported 224 cases of various criminal activities such as rape, murder, cattle rustling and selling of illicit brews.

Ms Ng’etich also dismissed existence of the '42 brothers' gang.