Residents of Malinya village in Kakamega County were on Sunday, January 28 thrown into mourning following the death of one of Senator Boni Khalwale's farm attendants.
Kizito Moi Amukune died after he was attacked and gored by the Kakamega senator's famous fighting bull, christened 'Inasio'.
Speaking to members of the press, the outspoken legislator said the bull attacked the 47-year-old last night, killing him on the spot. He sustained serious injuries on the stomach, back and neck.
Moi's body was discovered on Sunday morning by another farmhand.
The deceased, who was alone at the time of the incident, had been the caretaker and trainer of the senator's fighting bulls for more than 20 years.
The senator said he had speared the bull to death in line with the Luhya traditions.
"My champion bull, Inasio, has attacked and instantly killed Kizito Moi Amukune. Moi has been the caretaker of my fighter bulls for over 20 years. In keeping with our culture, I have today speared bull Inasio to death," he said.
"For 20 years, Kizito Moi Amukune, my fighter bull caretaker, earned an earnest day's pay. RIP, my brother," he added.
Moi's body was taken to mortuary at Kakamega County General Hospital, pending an autopsy.
Bullfighting
Khalwale, popularly known as the 'Bull Fighter', has been organizing bullfighting competitions in Kakamega County for many years.
The competition, popular in the Western region, goes back decades and features two prized bulls fighting it out until one backs out
Thousands of locals often grace the events, where owners of the bulls like Khalwale are considered heroes.
Reports indicate that some of the animals are fed with concoctions that include marijuana (bhang), which locals believe enhances their fierceness in the battle.
