An Isiolo-based gender activist and peace ambassador Elizabeth Ibrahim was on Monday evening killed over a suspected land dispute.
The mother of five was stabbed to death at Kambi Garba allegedly by Patrick Nawit, 45, who narrowly escaped death after police officers rescued him from an irate mob that had descended on him with kicks and blows, badly injuring him.
The suspect is currently hospitalised at the Isiolo Referral Hospital in critical condition under the watch of police officers.
Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding said preliminary investigations showed that the suspect attacked Ms Ibrahim over a land dispute.
It, however, remains unclear where the actual incident happened with reports indicating that Mr Nawit attacked the woman at a burial ceremony and police saying both were walking by the roadside when the man turned on the woman.
“They were walking together when the man attacked the woman with a knife and bled to death. The public descended on the suspect but he was rescued (by our officers) and taken to hospital,” County Police Commander Joseph Kigen told Nation.Africa.
The police boss said investigations had been launched to establish what transpired before the incident.
Husband and son had been hiding
In a sad coincidence, the widow was killed within the same area where her husband and son were killed 11 years ago following clashes pitting two communities living in Isiolo that left 10 people dead and over 20 houses torched.
Armed attackers set ablaze her house where her husband and son had been hiding on the morning of October 22, 2011.
Her husband was shot dead while he struggled to get out of the house while the Form Four student succumbed to burn injuries.
After the Monday evening incident, a section of Isiolo leaders condemned the incident and called on the security agencies to expedite the probe and ensure justice is served to the bereaved family.
County Woman Rep Rehema Jaldesa and Nominated MCA Mumina Konso eulogised Ms Ibrahim as a selfless person who had immense love and dedication to the community.
“I am very saddened by the death of Ms Ibrahim. I condemn the inhumane act,” Ms Konso shared.
Having borne the brunt of insecurity, Ms Ibrahim was involved in peacebuilding and conflict management through community sensitisation and awareness.
“I have been passionate about peacebuilding and leading peace initiatives. I know how important peace is because I lost my husband due to fights. I am a victim of ethnic violence and I am committed to ensuring the improved relationship among Isiolo residents and neighbouring counties,” she told Nation.Africa in a past interview.
