Police in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, have launched a manhunt following the mysterious death of National Police Reservist whose mutilated body was found in a sugarcane plantation at Amagoro area on Monday.
Kiminini Sub-County Police Commander, Mr. John Onditi, confirmed the tragic incident, which has left area residents in shock and fear.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency (KNA), Wednesday, Onditi shared preliminary findings, which indicated the deceased, Evans Barasa, was in the company of a colleague, Mr. Patrick Wekesa, before being lured into the death trap, by an allegedly known person.
According to records at the Kiminini Police Station, the two reservists had been assigned to Mr. Peter Baraza’s farm in Amagoro village.
"We have since established a Mr. Khakalukha Khamaibendi, 20 years, who signaled the late Barasa into the sugarcane plantation, pretending to show him something," said Onditi.
Onditi added Khamaibendi, who is lead suspect into the murder, had requested Barasa's colleague not to accompany them into the plantation. The suspect was still at large by time of going to the press.
The mutilated body was found hidden under a stack cut sugarcane. "The body was covered with leaves," added Onditi. The body was removed to Kitale County Hospital mortuary.
According to the Sub-county Police Boss, security officers were holding in custody, Mr. Frederick Makhokha, 72 years, who is assisting with investigations into the incident.
The officer told KNA, a G3 rifle, which was in possession of the deceased, had not been recovered.
With the real motive of the murder yet to be established, Onditi urged members of the public to be on high alert and immediately raise the alarm in case they get any wind of the whereabouts of the rifle.
His sentiments were echoed by area Nyumba Kumi Chairperson, Mr. John Kidula, who was apprehensive the weapon could be used by the assailant, to cause more deaths of innocent citizens.
Woman arrested after wheeling dead uncle into a bank to sign a loan