Suspected murderer strips, eats grass

By Vincent Bartoo

A man suspected of murder stripped and started to eat grass and leaves in Eldoret after the deceased's family sought services of a witch doctor.

Police had to shoot in the air to disperse a crowd that was baying for the man’s blood.

Stephen Kipkoech Bungei disappeared for two weeks before his body was found decomposing near a river.

More than 500 residents of Kitingia village, Kesses Division of Eldoret South constituency attempted to lynch the suspect, but quick action by police saved him.

According to Bungei’s uncle, Mr Simon Bungei, the family sought the help of a witch doctor after police failed to arrest his killers.

Witch doctor

"The witch doctor said the killer would reveal himself in a way that we would all know. I think this is what he meant," said Bungei. According to Joseph Kering, a local elder, the man was spotted near the river walking naked while talking to himself.

Kering added that on interrogation by village elders, the suspect reportedly said he was being followed by blood.

Police took the man to Kitingia chief’s office where Kesses DO Paul Papa convened an urgent baraza.