Man hacked to death by in-laws in Meru while aiding sick mother-in-law

A man who had gone to help persuade his sick mother-in-law to seek medical treatment was killed by his brothers-in-law in a tragic incident that also triggered mob retaliation in Gambela village, Lailuba sub-location, Tigania East, Meru County.

The deceased, identified as Silas Kabaya, was allegedly attacked with a sharp machete locally known as a C-line after a disagreement with his in-laws over plans to take their ailing mother to hospital.

According to area chief John Mamira, Kabaya had visited the home with the intention of convincing the family to allow the elderly woman to continue receiving treatment after she had earlier been admitted at Muthara Level 4 Hospital and referred to Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialised care.

Mamira said efforts to mediate the family dispute had previously failed, adding that he had personally visited the home on February 27 to persuade the family to seek medical help for the woman, but they declined.

He said Kabaya was attacked moments after talks broke down, sustaining fatal head injuries and dying on the spot.

“He came with good intentions to save a life, but unfortunately lost his own life,” Mamira said.

Police arrested two suspects, identified as John Matia and Nkirote Matia, over the killing, while another brother, identified as Kalaine, was killed after angry residents descended on the family in retaliation.

Witnesses said neighbours stormed the homestead after learning of Kabaya’s death, set two houses ablaze and attacked family members suspected to have taken part in the assault before security officers intervened.

Kalaine died while being taken to hospital.

Residents described the incident as shocking and condemned both the killing and the mob justice that followed.

A neighbour, Bernard Muthee, said the family had lived in isolation and rarely interacted with the community, urging authorities to ensure justice is served.

“This is evil and no one should take the law into their own hands. Disputes should be resolved amicably and peacefully,” he said.

The bodies were moved to Miathene Level 4 Hospital Mortuary while the two suspects were taken to Muthara Police Station pending investigations and arraignment.