Police officers in Nandi have launched a manhunt for a suspect believed to be behind the killing of a local businessman in a suspected love triangle.
Japhet Kimutai is said to have beheaded Eliud Maiyo at Sik-Sik village in Kaboi on Sunday, October 24, on suspicion that he was having an affair with his wife.
Area residents said the killing was also fueled by a protracted land conflict between Kimutai and the 41-year-old businessman who operated a fleet of public transport vehicles plying the Kapsabet-Kaptumo-Kobujoi road.
The headless body of Maiyo was found lying at Kimutai's compound.
According to the suspect's brother, Mark Kirwa, Kimutai was irked after learning that the deceased was planning to meet his wife at his matrimonial home.
"It is alleged that Kimutai busted them making plans to meet in his house. He picked a panga and hacked the man to death. He has been bitter over what he said Eliud Maiyo has been cohabiting with his wife for a couple of months," Kirwa said.
But the deceased's brother Eliud Maiyo dismissed the love triangle allegations and linked the victim's killing to a land conflict.
Eliud said the deceased had bought land from the suspect's father but his sons were against the sale of the property.
"The claims that my brother had an affair with Kimutai's wife are lies and hearsay. The suspect plucks tea for my brother and on the fateful day, he requested his payment. My brother decided to go to his house to so sort him his Ksh 460. But reaching there the story changed," Ruto said.
The killing sparked an angry reaction from villagers who stormed the suspect's compound and torched three houses belonging to him and his relatives including his brother who is said to have participated in the murder.
Nandi South OCPD John Owuoth said police had arrested the father of the prime suspect, who was also targeted by the mob.
Owuoth said police had been deployed to the village to stop any further damages as the search for the suspect continues.
The body of the deceased was moved to Samaritan Funeral Home in Kapsabet town.
