A 35-year-old man on Sunday handed himself to police at Kathama Police Post, Mwala Sub-County where he confessed to have killed his neighbour for allegedly stealing his charcoal.

The shocking incident has sparked public outcry in the region.

Area Senior Chief Paul Mue said the suspect, Mwanzia Kitheka,35, confessed to have committed the murder after allegedly finding out that his neighbour, a 51-year-old man, was the one who stole his charcoal on Friday.

He said the victim who used to stay alone at his home with his parents a few metres away, was attacked unawares on Saturday night just few metres near his home.

"The neighbour was attacked on Saturday night just a few metres near his home unawares by his neighbour Mr Kitheka. He was stabbed on the head and one leg by the suspect using a panga," the senior chief  told Avdelta News in a telephone interview.

The victim would later succumb to the injuries he sustained.

He said the suspect during interrogation at Kathama Police Post, admitted to have killed him by cutting the head with a panga.

"Visible stub injuries were noted on the left leg and also on the head. A blood stained panga suspected to have been used to commit the act was recovered by police officers," the senior chief added.

The body of the deceased was taken to Machakos Level 5 Hospital Mortuary as the suspect was placed in police custody.

Mr Mue added that the suspect was being held in police custody and will be charged in court.

The chief said this was a serious crime and that police are still investigating the heinous killing.

The senior chief warned area residents against taking the law into their own hands.

"Security agencies enforce the law. Anyone who breaks it will be arrested," he warned.

He also appealed to the residents to volunteer information to relevant authorities when they feel aggrieved.