Murder Suspect Killed, House Torched in Kakamega: A Clash of Tradition and Law
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The mourners burned five houses at a homestead in Mungakha village, Kakamega county. Photo/Courtesy
In the village of Emayala, located in Kakamega County’s Mumias East Constituency, a shocking incident has once again brought to light the enduring conflict between traditional customs and modern law enforcement.
A local resident’s house was set ablaze by enraged villagers following his alleged involvement in a brutal murder, echoing a pattern seen across Western Kenya where communities take justice into their own hands.
The incident began when Mohammed Anyanga was murdered during the burial of his brother, Joseph Otipa, in a dispute over where to dig the grave—a role traditionally assigned to the elder brother according to Luhya customs.
Anyanga was attacked by an armed gang allegedly hired by Otipa’s second and third wives.
Enraged by the murder, villagers retaliated by burning down eight houses belonging to the suspect.
This tragic episode is not an isolated case. The Luhya community in Western Kenya has long adhered to a traditional form of justice known as “okhusola,” where the houses of suspected murderers are torched, and in extreme cases, the suspects themselves are killed.
This practice is rooted in the belief that the spirit of the deceased must be appeased to prevent further misfortune or calamity within the community.
Two weeks prior, in the village of Rurare B, Webuye West, Bungoma County, 70-year-old Sitini Wanjala was killed by villagers for allegedly murdering the eight-year-old son of his lover, Linda Nasimiyu.
While Wanjala’s home was spared, the violent act underscores the deadly seriousness with which these communities treat the tradition.
In another case, villagers in Shinyalu Sub-County torched the home of Pastor Benson Mackenzie after he was accused of murdering his uncle, Kizito Namanga, in a land dispute.
The villagers also set fire to Mackenzie’s church, believing that these actions were necessary to cleanse the community of the evil spirit associated with the crime.
The tension between traditional customs and the rule of law continues to escalate, with law enforcement agencies often finding themselves at odds with local practices.
Recently, ten villagers from Kakamega were arrested and charged with arson and destruction of property for participating in the torching of homes.
The villagers, however, remain defiant, insisting that their actions are in line with their cultural obligations to cleanse their community.
Kakamega County Police Commander Lucy Kananu acknowledged the challenges posed by these traditional practices, stating that while the law must be upheld, there is a need for dialogue between the authorities and community elders to find a balance that respects both the law and cultural heritage.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
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