Area Chief, Mr. Josphat Edambo, who spoke to the press, said prior to the murder, the two had engaged in a bitter altercation while in a bush, where a group of initiates are recuperating after undergoing a passage rite.
“According to eye witnesses, the two engaged in verbal insults before the suspect, Denis Simiyu stabbed his cousin, Oscar Barasa several times on the chest and stomach using a sharp knife,” said Edambo.
According to the chief, efforts to save the late Barasa’s life turned futile as he passed on while being rushed to a nearby health facility.
Edambo added that law enforcers have launched investigations and a manhunt for the suspected murderer who immediately sneaked out of the murder scene to an unknown destination.
Shocked family members and neighbours, who spoke to the media, revealed Simiyu, who stays in Nairobi, had spent two days in the village where he had planned to celebrate Christmas and New Year holidays.
The body was removed to Kitale General Hospital mortuary in Trans Nzoia County.
Meanwhile, the local administrator has sternly warned parents and guardians against allowing children to indulge in consumption of illicit liquor during this moment when the village is observing the rite of passage ceremony.
“It is regrettable that some parents have been demanding official permits to allow them brew outlawed liquor, particularly ‘busaa’, under the guise of preserving traditional customs,” he disclosed.