A 68-year old man surrendered himself to the police in Tana River County after he allegedly hacked another man to death for insulting him.
Leonard Yaa Baya told the officers he hacked 40-year old Katana Kaingu Kombe to death after Katana, who was from a drinking spree, hurled insults at him, calling the suspect a worthless man who was married to a prostitute.
Tana River County Police Commander Fred Ochieng said in a statement Sunday night that the incident took place at Miticharaka village in Chamwanamuma on Saturday evening.
“It was reported to the police Sunday morning at 6.25 am by one Leonard Yaa Baya (now accused) that while at his home, the deceased passed by from a drinking spree and started hurling insults at him, calling him a worthless person married to a prostitute,” Mr. Ochieng said.
He said the suspect told the police that an argument ensued between them leading to a physical fight during which suspect rushed to his house, took a machete and cut the trespasser three times in the head.
“In the process, the suspect took a panga (machete) which he thereafter used to cut the deceased person three times in the head, resulting in the instant death,” Mr. Ochieng said.
He said police officers visited the scene of the incident on Sunday morning and took the body to the Malindi Sub County Hospital Mortuary to await a post mortem examination.
“Baya was then put in custody to be arraigned before a Garsen court on Monday,” Mr. Ochieng said.
He appealed to members of the public to avoid taking the law into their hands, even when offended, but instead report to the police so the offender could be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Hurling insults to another person is an offence for which an individual can be charged with before a court of law,” he said.
By Emmanuel Masha
