Detectives in Kisumu County are investigating a gruesome incident in which a tractor driver was found murdered, with his body discovered in separate locations in Koru.
Police said the victim, identified as Patrick Akelo Amemo, 41, was found dead on Tuesday under unclear circumstances.
Amemo, who worked as a tractor driver in the area, is believed to have been attacked by unknown assailants.
According to police reports, a group of boda boda riders came across a suspicious package along the Achego–Muhoroni Road near Kona Mbaya area.
On inspection, they discovered what appeared to be the victim’s head wrapped in a paper bag and immediately alerted authorities.
A short distance from Amemo’s residence, police later recovered his torso. Officers said initial examinations suggested the victim had been subjected to severe physical harm before his death.
His remains were taken to the mortuary for an autopsy as investigations continue.
Police said the motive of the killing was yet to be established, though they believe it may have been intended to send a message. The victim’s rural home is in Homa Bay County.
Meanwhile, in Kimilili, Bungoma County, police are investigating a separate incident in which a woman was found murdered and her body dumped along a roadside.
According to officers, the woman’s body was discovered on Tuesday morning. Preliminary reports indicated that she had injuries on her neck and face. Police said the circumstances surrounding her death suggested she may have been assaulted before being killed.
Two suspects were reportedly rescued from an angry mob that attempted to lynch them shortly after the discovery.
They are currently assisting police with investigations into the incident.
The body was taken to a local mortuary for post-mortem examination.
Police have linked a growing number of murder cases in the region to personal disputes, including domestic conflicts and land wrangles.
Authorities have urged residents to report disputes to relevant institutions instead of resorting to violence.
In another incident in Kapkerer, Nandi County, a man believed to be in his 30s died after being assaulted by members of the public. Police said the deceased was accused of stealing bananas from a nearby farm.
The man’s body was found beside a murram road bearing visible injuries on his hands, mouth, and legs. Police recovered a few banana fruits at the scene, which are believed to have been taken from the farm.
Authorities have since condemned the act, terming it an unlawful killing.
They reminded the public that mob justice is a criminal
offence and urged residents to hand over suspects to law enforcement officers
for due process.
