Police officers at Mbale station in Vihiga County are holding in custody five suspects in connection with the death of a night guard and theft of business property worth Sh1.2 million.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency , Vihiga Police County Commander Mrs. Beatrice Gachago confirmed that the Wednesday night incident had left residents of Mukuli village in shock.
Gachago confirmed that the deceased, Eliakim Ambani, aged 60, was assaulted to death by an armed group of thugs.
“The deceased was guarding retail business premises belonging to Mr. Patel Davenkumar Rameshbai when the armed thugs attacked and killed him before they drove away in a canter fully loaded with the loot,” said Gachago.
The vehicle, which belongs to Rameshbai, was loaded with assorted shop goods, which according to the owner were set to be offloaded the following day.
The police boss disclosed that security officers had recovered both the stolen vehicle and goods.
“Police officers with the help of Criminal Investigations Officers traced the stolen property to Ugunja town in Siaya County on Thursday at about 11am,” revealed Gachago.
The security officers traced the goods to a homestead and business premises, both belonging to unidentified trader who managed to escape police arrest and was still at large by time of going to press.
Gachago confirmed that the officers recovered all the stolen goods which included bags of sugar, packets of cooking oil among other assortment of goods.
“Part of the stolen items were recovered from the runaway suspect’s homestead, while the rest was found at his shop premises in Ugunja town,” reported Gachago.
However, the stolen vehicle was traced to a different location at Mumias town in Kakamega County.
“The vehicle was driven back to Mbale police station where the stolen goods were also being held,” added Gachago.
“The five suspects were helping officers investigating the matter. We are confident the runaway trader, who is considered as key suspect, would be arrested soon,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, the Body of the slain watchman was removed to Vihiga County Referral Hospital.
Family members, led by Mr. Francis Ambani, appealed to security agencies to ensure those behind Ambani’s murder were dealt with in accordance with the law.
They described the deceased as a humble and honest person who had worked for the Asian businessman for over 10 years.
By Maurice Aluda
