Police in Eldoret are investigating the murder of a nephew to Kenya’s envoy to China Willy Bett.
The 38-year-old man identified as Hillary Kiprono Birech was allegedly attacked by some individuals at a farm near Eldoret town and hit with a blunt object on the head over allegations of stealing maize.
He later succumbed to injuries at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital where he had been taken for treatment on November 20, 2024.
Retired KDF Warrant Officer II, Samson Sang, who is an uncle to the deceased said they were informed of the death two days after the attack that was reported at Baharini police station in Eldoret.
Sang said they visited the police station where they were informed that the man was brought there while injured and later taken to Huruma health centre but was referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital where he died.
The body of the deceased was later booked at the hospital morgue as an unknown person.
“We were surprised that he had gone through Baharini police station and the two hospitals. How come he was booked at the morgue as an unknown person?” posed Sang, who was with his sister, Teresa Birech.
Sang said they went to check on the body at the morgue and established that the deceased had deep cut injuries on the head.
“We later visited the farm where he was said to have been attacked but there was no indication of blood on disturbance at the particular spot,” Sang said.
The farm where the deceased was allegedly attacked is less than two kilometers from his house.
Sang said a young man they found on the farm identified the person who allegedly hit the deceased on the head.
He claimed that when the deceased was taken to Baharini police station before he died, a pastor who sought to see him was prevented by the police.
“We are now demanding for proper investigations to know how and why he was killed. Those responsible should be brought to book,” Sang said.
The family filed a complaint at the Baharini police station via OB No.04/19-11-2024.
Turbo OCPD Patrick Wekesa and subcounty DCI boss, Richard Okeri, confirmed that the matter had initially been booked at Baharini police station as a case of mob injustice.
“We have recorded several statements and will forward the file for processing so that we get directions on the way forward,” Wekesa said.
The OCPD said the matter would be thoroughly investigated so that the truth is known.
