Death toll rises to 17 as another night guard is killed

Kakamega OCPD David Kabena (left) talks to kakamega senator Cleophas Malala (second left) at the scene where a night guard was killed leaving him lying in a pool of blood at a petrol station in Maraba in kakamega.

A night guard was yesterday found dead at a petrol station in Kakamega Town yesterday.

The body of Tom Itabo, 60, was discovered at 6.30am by workers at Fralet Filing Station at Maraba Estate.

About 500 metres from the petrol station, at Masingo slums, George Njuguna, a tout who is based at Kakamega bus stage, was also found dead under unclear circumstances on Monday.

Mr Itabo's death is the latest in a string of deadly attacks witnessed in the county. It brings the number of people who have been killed in the area by criminal gangs in the last one month to 17.

Maureen Khainga, who works at the petrol station, said they found the guard's body between two drums. Some body parts were missing.

“His eyes had been gouged out. He had deep cuts on the neck and the head,” said Khainga.

She added: "The assailants also broke into the shop, but did not steal anything."

Victor Chemose, a resident, linked the killing to a gang that has been terrorising residents of Matungu sub-county.

Area Senator Cleophas Malala said: "There are many loopholes in the county security team that need to be fixed to contain the escalating insecurity."

Kakamega Central police commander David Kabena said they are investigating the killing and are already following crucial leads.