Leaders join mourners, condemn killing of two girls by father

County Woman Rep Donya Toto described the incident as gory and inhumane.

In Summary
  • County Woman Rep Donya Toto described the killing of the two - Michelle and glory - as gory and an assault on humanity.
  • On Friday, a mental assessment found the father fit to stand trial for murder.
Mourners view bodies of slain Michelle and Glory during their burial Monday at Kiobegi in Bobasi, Kisii.
Mourners view bodies of slain Michelle and Glory during their burial Monday at Kiobegi in Bobasi, Kisii.
Image: MAGATI OBEBO)

Dozens of Kisii political leaders on Monday united in grief to send off two daughters slaughtered by their father at the Kiobegi area in Bobasi a fortnight ago.

County Woman Rep Donya Toto described the killing of the two - Michelle and Glory as gory and inhumane.

She called for scaled-up security in the county further urging families to explore other dispute-resolution mechanisms to address marital woes.

"An eye for an eye will cause all humanity to go blind, let's embrace peace, let's remain tolerant of each other even when anger and stress sweep into the marriage institutions," she told mourners.

The two children aged 10 months and 2 years respectively were found butchered on their family farm on the morning of January 6.

The bodies had cuts to the necks and heads.

Villagers said the father-Nelson Ontita looked disturbed before killing them in a demonic fit of fury.

He has since been arrested and charged at the Ogembo law courts.

On Friday, a mental assessment found him fit to stand trial for murder.

During the somber burial, Toto urged the government to ensure perpetrators of such heinous incidents are locked up for good.

"We must tame the scourge of insecurity and violence that appear to be growing out of hand," she said.

She donated foodstuff and clothing to the family. The Woman Rep was joined by county assembly ward reps who also condemned the slaughter.

In separate speeches, they called for enhanced parenting to stem the wanton killing of children.

Callen Magara, an assembly nominee condemned the slaughter and advised couples to find better solutions for domestic squabbles.

Dolphin Bwari, also a nominee, called for massive sensitisation of couples as part of the efforts to address the killings.

Gesusu MCA Anthony Onkundi said domestic squabbles cannot be squared out by weapons but through tolerance and understanding.

He asked couples caught up in domestic differences to give dialogue a chance instead of using weapons.

MCAs Thomas's Obare (Bassi Boitangare) and Naftal Onkoba (Nyacheki) called for sober discussions on mental health saying it is growing to epidemic levels.

They said such killings had been sparked by suspects with mental cases.

Similar condemnations were uttered by officials of the Kenya Human Rights Commission who toured the region to undertake public hearings.

The hearings begin Tuesday at St Vincent Catholic Hall in Kisii.

Mourners view bodies of slain Michelle and Glory during their burial Monday at Kiobegi in Bobasi, Kisii.
Mourners view bodies of slain Michelle and Glory during their burial Monday at Kiobegi in Bobasi, Kisii.
Image: MAGATI OBEBO)
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