Man hacks sister to death in property dispute

By NAFTALLY MAKORI

A family row over land ended tragically in Amatierio village, Nyamira North District, when a man slashed his sister to death.

Subsequently, enraged members of the public descended on the killer, 26, and set him ablaze.

The man landed on his sister with a machete after disagreements over the ownership of a parcel of land that their late parents allegedly bequeathed their daughter.

It was claimed that the woman had planted nappier grass on the piece of land but her younger brother went and started cutting it without permission, sparking off a quarrel.

"They started to argue over the piece of land and he told her to get married and stop being troublesome. A bitter exchange of words ensued. He then went for a machete and cut her on the back," said a witness.

SET ON FIRE

After committing the offence, the man fled as angry villagers bayed for his blood. Not relenting they gave chase and soon caught up with him. They descended on him with kicks and blows before setting him on fire.

The woman, a mother of a boy, seven, sustained deep panga cuts and bled to death.

Nyamira police arrived at the scene of the incident 30 minutes later and carried the bodies to Nyamira District Hospital mortuary.

Area deputy OCPD Dishon Chadaka confirmed the incident and said investigation was ongoing and warned that the people who participated in the mob justice would be arrested.

"We will not tolerate cases of the public killing suspects. There is law in this country and it must be followed," Mr Chadaka said.