A family in Tebeson village, Mosoriot in Nandi County is demanding speedy investigations into the murder of a 71-year-old man, whose body was found 300 metres from his home.

Kipruto Seurey was last seen leaving home at about 5pm to visit a local shopping centre, where he reportedly met friends at a drinking joint. His family says he never returned home that night.

His daughter, Violet Chebichii, said the family initially thought that her father had spent the night elsewhere after he failed to return home.

His wife waited until midnight before assuming he might have gone to his other wife’s home, but the family later learnt that he had died.

“It is painful to lose a father. As you can see, I am still young and need that fatherly love,” Chebichii said.

The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked concern among residents, who blame the rising consumption of illicit brew for insecurity and health risks in the area.

Mark Kiptoo, a resident, said the family initially suspected that Seurey had died from alcohol-related complications, but a postmortem examination reportedly revealed that his ribs were broken.

“We thought he died out of alcohol complications, but the postmortem revealed that his ribs were broken,” he said.

Kiptoo condemned the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol, linking the menace to the circumstances surrounding the elderly man’s death.

Another resident, James Koskei, said the incident had heightened fears among villagers, warning that the perpetrator could be living among them.

He called on security agencies to expedite investigations and address what residents described as lax enforcement of regulations governing entertainment joints.

“We do not have streetlights and bars operate before and beyond the permitted hours. We ask the government to crack the whip,” Koskei said.

Beatrice Cherono, a resident said the incident had left women in the village fearful for their safety, urging the government to act against insecurity.

“As women, we are crying because we do not know who will be next. Women are being widowed. Let the government deal with this menace,” she said.

Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi confirmed the incident, saying two suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing.

He urged members of the public to volunteer information that could help investigators establish the circumstances of the death and bring those responsible to justice.

The family has appealed to security agencies to conclude investigations and ensure that those involved in Seurey’s death are held accountable.

 by Kosuri Valarie