One killed as youths fight over women at funeral disco

One person was killed and several others injured after rival groups clashed over women at a disco in Kisumu County’s Muhoroni area.

A group of machete wielding men raided Wasamo Aol village on Monday night, killing Maurice Akaka, 18, and seriously injuring five others alleged to have been in control of two women.

Villagers claimed there were two rival groups fighting over women at a “funeral disco” on Saturday night and one of them left, only to return on Monday on a revenge mission.

One of the rival gangs allegedly hails from Obambo village, while the other from Kang’o area.

Groaning in pain at St Elizabeth Hospital, Chiga, Akaka’s brother, Kevine Otieno narrated to The Standard how he (Akaka) was killed.

“There were conflicts between my brother and the team from Kang’o village over a woman the previous day. They hit him in the head but he escaped death,” he said amid sobs.

HOUSES TORCHED

He added, “Yesterday, I heard my brother’s cries from a nearby market centre and ran to his help. His attackers, however, waylaid me and struck me on the head. Fortunately, I escaped into a sugarcane plantation, but my brother did not make it.”

The alleged killers were traced by angry villagers from Obambo village and found at a nearby home. They are currently fighting for their lives in hospital.

Erick Otieno, 22, was admitted to St Elizabeth Hospital, Chiga, but is to be transferred to new Nyanza Provincial  Hospital, Kisumu, to treat the deep panga wounds he sustained on his head.

Two of his accomplices were taken to the new Nyanza hospital, each having both legs and hands chopped off. A man suspected to have killed Akaka escaped during the attack.

Villagers also torched two houses in a home where the alleged attackers were found. They also cleared more than an acre maize field. 

Muhoroni Officer Commanding Police Division Muthuri Mwongera said night discos were rampant in the area, which had led to the emergence of dangerous criminals.

“In the last three months, we have handled several cases of murder resulting from such events,” said Mwongera. Mr Mwongera assured residents that security officers had been deployed in the area to restore peace, but emphasised on the need to do away with rampant night gatherings.

DISCO BAN

With rising insecurity, Julias Mukanda, Muhoroni Sub-county Administration Police Commandant said police had banned night discos.

“We have instructed all chiefs and their assistants not to allow night discos in their areas of jurisdiction. They will be held responsible if this is not implemented,” he said.

Mukanda told The Standard that the women being fought over by the gangs were not from the area.

“One of them is a primary school dropout from Rongo, Migori County while another one is from Homa Bay County’s Kadem area,” he confirmed.

The residents accused the local administrative officers of sleeping on their job.

“It is panic all over again. I have to close down my shop by 7pm because we are scared of these people. They are described as ruthless, and attack everybody in their path,” said Pamela Okeyo, a businesswoman.