- Jared Onyisi, 42, fatally stabbed by his younger brother during supper in Nyamira.
- Long-standing dispute over ancestral land escalated into violence.
- Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled after the attack.
- Elders and experts urge lawful resolution of inheritance conflicts.
A tragic incident unfolded in the Gachuba area of Nyamira County on Sunday night, as a long-standing family land dispute ended in bloodshed. Jared Onyisi, aged 42, was stabbed to death by his younger brother while eating supper at his home.
Police reported that the suspect walked in unannounced and attacked Jared, stabbing him in the chest and back before fleeing. Onyisi died at the scene before he could receive medical help. His body is now at Nyamira County Referral Hospital awaiting postmortem.
According to officers from Keroka Police Station, the siblings had conflicted for years over a piece of ancestral land. Local elders had previously attempted to mediate the situation, but tensions persisted.
“The suspect stormed in without warning and stabbed Jared multiple times before escaping into the night.”
— Keroka police officer
This incident reflects a wider issue affecting rural Kenya. Land disputes, especially among family members, are becoming increasingly common. A 2024 report by the National Land Commission revealed that over 35% of civil conflicts in Kenya stem from inheritance wrangles.
Groups such as Kenya Land Alliance and Amnesty International have consistently warned of the generational trauma caused by unstructured land succession.
Police have launched an extensive manhunt for the suspect and are urging residents to provide any useful information.
“We suspect he’s hiding within or beyond the county. Anyone with leads should report immediately.”
— Investigating officer
Local elders, meanwhile, are calling on the community to seek peaceful solutions to disputes.
“No land is worth the life of your blood. Let’s embrace dialogue and law.”
— Mzee Nyambane, Gachuba elder
Human rights groups warn that unless legal reforms and education around land succession are improved, more families could suffer similar tragedies.
Residents are encouraged to report family tensions early and use legal means to solve disputes to prevent further violence.
