By Mercy Imali
The court has ordered that three men linked to brutal murder of a 22-year-old man be held at Mumias Police Station for 10 days. The 22 year old victim, Newton Omenda was attacked over a love dispute.
Police constable Felix Orioki requested for more time as the actual cause of death is yet to be established.
Mr Orioki in his affidavit said, “For the interests of justice, I pray that the court grants me time to finalize my investigations. The three are yet to be mentally examined to ascertain if they’re able to stand trial. The fourth suspect is yet to be arrested so we pray for 14 days to conclude the probe.”
Kakamega Resident Magistrate Noelyne Akee ordered the three to be detained to facilitate the probe.
Mohammed Were, Eshmael Oduor and Joseph Odhiambo are said to have attacked the deceased accusing him of eloping with Were’s girlfriend.
According to court papers, the deceased, Omenda was in the company of the said girlfriend on the 18th of July when he was attacked by four men well known to him. One suspect is still on the run.
The 21-year-old lady is said to have previously been in a relationship with Were. They apparently sired a child who died. After patting ways with Were, she moved on to Omenda. This really annoyed Were who mobilised his three friends to waylay the deceased. They savagely attacked him with swords, machetes and clubs leaving him nursing serious injuries.
According to police reports they cut Omenda on the right ear and pinned nails in his skull. He reported the assault claims at Musanda Police Station and was taken to St Mary’s Mumias Hospital before recording his statement. He succumbed to the injuries before he was transferred to Kakamega County General Hospital where he had been recommended for specialized treatment.
The lady managed to escape with minor injuries. The three were arrested on 20th July. The murder weapons were also recovered. The matter will be heard on 1st August.