When Enock Ongari, 32, from Emenwa village in Kisii County learnt that his 80-year-old father had been listed as a key prosecution witness in an assault case against him, he allegedly hatched a sinister plan that would end in tragedy.
Mr Ongari had been arrested days earlier for allegedly assaulting his nephew—his brother’s child—who was living with his grandparents while his parents worked in Narok.
He was arraigned at the Ogembo Law Courts and released on bail, pending hearing of the case scheduled for September 22.
But two days before the hearing, on September 20, Ongari is said to have returned to his father’s homestead armed with a blunt object. He reportedly launched a vicious attack on the elderly man, James Ongige, striking him on the head and inflicting a deep cut.
The suspect’s mother, Esther Ongige, who witnessed the attack, wailed and called for help. Neighbours rushed to the compound but were forced to retreat when Ongari, then brandishing a machete, threatened to cut down anyone who dared to intervene.
By midday, news of the patriarch’s death had spread across Emenwa, triggering grief and anger. A furious mob quickly organised a manhunt for Ongari who had fled to the neighbouring village of Bonyang'ande Itumbe.
The crowd caught up with him, meting out instant mob justice. Ongari was beaten to death and in a final act of rage, the villagers burnt his body.
Confirming the incident, Nyamache Sub-county Police Commander Kipkemoi Kipkulei said investigations had begun. “The case is currently under probe by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nyamache,” he said, cautioning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
