Police investigate killing of Maasai Mara University employee

Paul Kool speak to journalist on the death of his kin, who was a Maasai Mara university employee and student

Police in Narok are probing the mysterious death of a Maasai Mara University employee and student who was allegedly lynched by a mob on suspicion of cattle theft.

The victim, identified as Gideon Mankuyio, was reportedly attacked on Saturday in the TM area in Narok town.

Narok County Police Commander Riko Ngare confirmed that three suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.

Ngare said Mankuyio was found unconscious, surrounded by members of the public, before being rushed to Narok County Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Members of the public told the police that the deceased had been subjected to mob justice on allegations of stealing a cow belonging to one of the villagers,” Ngare said.

But Mankuyio’s family and friends have strongly disputed the theft claims, insisting that he was murdered under different circumstances.

Paul Kool, a former Narok MCA for Olokruto Ward and a relative of the deceased, dismissed the accusations, describing Mankuyio as a hardworking professional and consultant who was set to graduate this year with a Master’s degree in statistics.

“Our kin was at the peak of his career. We do not want to believe that he was a thief because there is no evidence that he has ever stolen anyone’s property,” Kool said.

Another relative, Sayialel Mankuyio, said news of his brother’s death reached them through social media, forcing them to rush to the mortuary to confirm.

“What hurts us most are the allegations that our brother was a thief. We believe he was killed on other grounds but not because of stealing,” he said.

Philip Mankuyio urged police to carry out thorough investigations to establish the truth and bring those responsible to book.

The case has sparked outrage among the family and the wider university community, with calls for justice and a fair probe into the killing.