The recent surge in murders and violent assaults in Bomet County has raised alarm, with community leaders expressing concern. Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir highlighted that many cases stem from family disputes.
“Hardly a week passes without a murder being reported in the county. This is worrying and requires a collective effort from all stakeholders,” stated Chepkorir.
She pointed out that many incidents involve family members, with several individuals already arrested and charged. Chepkorir attributed the rising death toll to poor communication within families, lack of trust, infidelity, domestic violence, and financial stress.
“Infidelity can cause psychological trauma, especially for men, who often internalise their emotions. This can lead to violent behaviour, including murder, as individuals lash out in revenge,” she explained.
Konoin MP Brighton Yegon echoed these concerns, linking the rise in cases to depression.
“Many people carry untold stories and lack someone to confide in, leading them to take drastic actions when they are overwhelmed,” Yegon remarked.
He also noted that socio-economic injustices contribute, as feelings of inadequacy can fuel anger, which may be directed inward or outward.
“To address this, we must focus on improving conflict resolution in households and enhance counselling services,” he added.
These comments followed a tragic incident in Tachasis village where a 35-year-old man beheaded his two children, aged two and seven.
Bomet County Police Commandant Edward Imbwaga confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect used a kitchen knife to kill the children.
Police reports revealed that the children's lifeless bodies were found in the kitchen, and their mother was not home at the time. Upon her return, she followed a blood trail into the kitchen and discovered the horrific scene, then contacted the police. Authorities recovered the suspected murder weapon, and the bodies were taken to Kapkatet Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem.
The suspect has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. Last month, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) apprehended the main suspect behind the gruesome murder of a Bomet businesswoman, Eva Rachealine Ruto.
In a statement, the DCI revealed that the suspect was a disgruntled former lover of the victim.
“Bomet Central detectives have arrested the prime suspect in the brutal murder of the businesswoman, whose lifeless body was discovered on March 25, 2025,” stated the DCI.
The woman was found by her daughter in a pool of blood, with deep neck wounds and multiple stab injuries on her arms, chest, and back.
The daughter had been unable to reach her mother before the discovery.
Over a week after the crime, the suspect was located and arrested at a hideout in Sailo village, Kipkelion East Sub-County. Detectives, using forensic evidence, launched an intensive investigation that led to his capture. By Kiprono Kurgat |The Standard
