Three detained for killing in love triangle

From left: Mohammed Were, Eshmael Oduor and Joseph Odhiambo when they appeared before Kakamega Resident Magistrate. They are alleged to have murdered Newton Omenda, 22 who is said to have eloped with Were's girlfriend. [Jack Murima/Standard]

The court has ordered three men to be held at Mumias Police Station for 10 days after they were linked to brutal murder of a 22-year-old man over love dispute.

This is after Police constable Felix Orioki who is investigating the matter told the court a postmortem exercise is yet to be undertaken to establish the actual cause of death.

Mohammed Were, Eshmael Oduor and Joseph Odhiambo are said to have attacked the deceased who is said to have eloped with Were's girlfriend.

According to court papers, the deceased, Newton Omenda was in the company of the said girlfriend on July 18 when he was attacked by four men well known to him. One is still on the run.

The 21-year-old lady is said to have previously been in a relationship with Were with whom they sired a child who died.

They separated and she then befriended Omenda which is believed to have irked Were who mobilised his three friends to waylay the deceased and attack him.

The documents indicated that during the during 7 pm incident, the attackers, armed with swords, machetes and clubs assaulted him leaving him nursing serious injuries.

The lady managed to escape with minor injuries while the deceased is alleged to have been cut on the right ear and nails pinned in his skull.

He reported the assault claims at Musanda Police Station and was taken to St Mary's Mumias Hospital before recording his statement.

Omenda who was admitted at the facility succumbed to the injuries before he was transferred to Kakamega County General Hospital where he had been recommended for specialised treatment.

The three were arrested on July 20 where murder weapons were recovered.

"For the interests of justice, I pray that the court grants me time finalize my investigations. The three are yet to be mentally examined to ascertain if they're able to stand trial. The fourth suspect is yet to be arrested so we pray for 14 days to conclude the probe," said Mr Orioki in his affidavit.

Kakamega Resident Magistrate Noelyne Akee ordered the three to be detained to facilitate the probe.

The matter shall be mentioned on August 1 for further directions.