Man charged with murder of woman, daughter in Matungu

Kassim Chitechi when he appeared in court to answer to two counts of murder. He charged with killing Petronilla Mungayi and her daughter Shaleen Okhasia in Matungu. (Standard)

A man suspected to be a member of a terror gang in Matungu was yesterday charged with murder.

Kassim Chitechi Malala was accused of killing Petronilla Roda Mungayi and her three-year-old daughter Shaleen Okhasia at their home in Sayangwe village on May 4.

High Court Judge Jesse Njagi heard that five men armed with machetes stormed the house of Stephen Rapachi at around 10.30pm after the family had retired to bed.

Five days before the incident, Mr Rapachi had sold a quarter-acre parcel of land for Sh105,000, for which he had received a deposit of Sh55,000.

He had already bought building materials in readiness to erect a permanent house for his family on his remaining portion of land.

However, on the fateful night, he heard loud bangs followed by demands to open the door.

The attackers broke into the house and demanded money from Rapachi, but he said he did not have any.

He was struck on the head with a panga and lost consciousness. The court heard that the attackers stabbed Roda and strangled Shaleen.

Daughter assaulted

Rapachi woke up the next day at St Mary’s Mumias Hospital unaware that his wife and daughter had been killed. Another daughter aged seven was also assaulted.

Justice Njagi was told that Chitechi and another suspect, Ayub Imbuyi, were arrested on the day after the attack.

Police recovered knives in Chitechi’s house and a toy pistol at Imbuyi’s house. They also impounded an unregistered motorcycle.

Chitechi denied the charges and was released on a Sh500,000 bond with a surety of a similar amount. The matter will be heard on October 22.

Meanwhile, Matungu residents were yesterday invited by police and administrators to give their views on the violence that has rocked the region.

The baraza at Emakale was convened by County Commissioner Abdirizak Jaldesa, Police Commander Wilkister Vera, the ward representative, and church leaders. 

The security officials accused residents of failing to share information with the authorities.

Residents, however, said they did not trust the police or the local administration, adding that they feared to give information for fear that it would be leaked to the killers.

“We are willing to share information, but we are scared of being targeted afterwards,” said Silas Mukamani.

More than 20 residents have been killed and scores more injured after a spate of attacks in the past two months.

After the meeting, Mr Jaldesa said they were taking measures to address the rampant insecurity.

“We apologise for the crimes that have happened in this area. As the Government we won’t relent in ensuring peace. The operation by the General Service Unit will go on,” said Jaldesa.