Bomet Family Mourns Quarry Worker Killed in Mysterious Attack

A 26-year-old quarry worker, Victor Kipngeno Koech, was killed on the night of 24 January near a shopping centre in Masare village, Bomet County, police have confirmed.

Koech, the sole provider for his family, had left his home with his younger brother to buy maize flour and vegetables for the evening meal. Shortly after he left, residents reported hearing screams from the shopping centre area.

Family members went to the scene after villagers raised the alarm and found Koech lying on the ground with fatal injuries. His throat had been cut and his head repeatedly struck with a panga, according to witnesses.

Residents identified the suspected attacker as a neighbour known to Koech. The motive for the attack has not been established. The suspect was arrested by members of the public and handed over to police. 

Bomet East Sub-County Police Commander Michael Mwenda said the murder weapon had been recovered and the suspect would be held in custody for 14 days as investigations continue ahead of formal charges. Koech’s death has left his family facing severe financial hardship. His mother, Rose Chepkwony, said he had supported the household since his father died nine years ago.

“We depended on him entirely, and we do not know how we will manage after this,” she said.

The family has also said it cannot raise the Sh20,000 required for a postmortem examination scheduled by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. His stepmother, Esther Chergee, described Koech as the main source of support for the household, warning that the family’s situation is now uncertain. Neighbours and well-wishers have been providing food and other assistance as the family struggles to cover burial costs.