Rangwe: Grief engulfed the Gem Sori Kachiena location in Rangwe Sub County after a 61-year-old man was killed over a land dispute. The deceased, identified as Joseph Owuoth, was killed following a dispute with a head teacher of a Comprehensive School in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, Gem Central Location Chief Peter Oula stated that the incident occurred when Owuoth discovered that the head teacher had ploughed the disputed land and destroyed his maize that was due for harvesting. This led to a verbal exchange between the two parties before Owuoth’s brother intervened temporarily.
However, tensions escalated a few hours later when the head teacher, with the aid of his brother who is also a teacher, attacked Owuoth and his wife. The administrator reported that Owuoth sustained multiple fractures and head injuries, while his wife suffered panga cuts and blunt object injuries on various parts of her body.
The couple was rushed to Kisii County Referral Hospital, where Owuoth was confirmed dead on arrival. His wife was admitted in critical condition. Chief Oula mentioned that a court hearing on the disputed land was scheduled for February 18, highlighting the long-standing contention over the land between the two parties.
Efforts by local chiefs to mediate the dispute had been unsuccessful, leading to the advice for legal redress. Chief Oula urged residents to abide by the rule of law and seek peaceful resolutions to disputes. Rangwe Police Commander Magdalene Chebet confirmed that investigations into the matter have been launched, with a team of investigators deployed, including visits to Kisii where one victim is receiving medical care.
