Police in Lugari Sub County are holding in custody a 27 year old man in connection with the murder of a 36 year old man from Bondeni B village in Chekalini location.
Confirming the incident, Lugari Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Mr. Bernard Macharia said the accused, Mr. Joel Munala, was arrested following the murder of Christopher Obadia which occurred on Thursday morning.
“Though the incident occurred on Thursday at 5.30 am, the deceased passed on a few minutes after 8. pm the same day while undergoing treatment at Lumakanda County hospital,” said Macharia.
According to the OCPD, the two who were close friends disagreed over Ksh. 200 after consuming illicit brew from a local drinking den.
“Reports indicate the two picked up a quarrel which later escalated into physical confrontation after the accused forcefully demanded Ksh. 200 from the deceased,” said Macharia, adding the two buddies turned foes were at a drinking den at time of the incident.
Obadia sustained serious injuries on his head, hands and legs.
Police officers rushed to the scene where they rescued and rushed the victim to the hospital facility.
However, the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Dina Vuredi Keya, gave a contradicting version of events leading to the son’s death when she spoke to the press on Friday.
According to the woman, the accused waylaid her son while hiding in a maize plantation before he attacked and assaulted him using a club and panga.
“My son was actually heading to work when he was accosted by his assailant,” claimed Mrs. Keya, adding the murderer was after the Ksh. 200, which the son had earned from the previous day’s labour.
According to nurses at the health facility led by Dr. Mike Ekisa, the deceased succumbed occasioned by lose of several pounds of blood as a result of the deep panga cuts.
The body was transferred to Kipkarren’s Kimbilio Funeral Home in the neighboring Uasin Gishu County.
The accused is set to appear before Eldoret law court, “where he will answer to murder charges,” added Macharia.
The OCPD has at the same time issued a stern warning against perpetrators of criminal activities in the sub county.