The family of Professor Tom Odhiambo, a respected lecturer at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), has been left in deep mourning following his brutal killing on Tuesday, September 30.
Professor Odhiambo, 55, was hacked to death in Kakrigu village, Mbita sub-county, Homa Bay county, during a land dispute. According to eyewitnesses, two young men attacked the lecturer while he was with his father on a piece of disputed land. The attackers struck him on the head, killing him instantly. His father sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital.
The death of the TUK scholar has caused shock and anger in the academic world and beyond. Police have launched investigations to trace the killers, who fled the scene immediately after committing the crime.
TUK Lecturer Death Leaves Family and Academic Fraternity in Mourning
Professor Odhiambo was visiting the disputed land with his father in preparation for demarcation with the help of a chief and a surveyor. Witnesses said the lecturer had earlier reported encroachment on the family land, which had caused tension in the village.
The situation turned tragic when two men armed with crude weapons appeared and launched a violent attack. The professor was cut several times on the head, leading to excessive bleeding that claimed his life on the spot. His father, who tried to intervene, was left with serious wounds.
Mbita Deputy Sub-County Commissioner Peter Mutiso confirmed that the victim sustained deep cuts to the head. “The professor bled heavily, and the injuries proved fatal. The suspects fled immediately, and our officers have begun pursuing them,” he said.
The professor’s body was later taken to Kirindo Mortuary as police intensified investigations.
Community Outrage over the Killing
The TUK Lecturer Death has triggered outrage within the local community and beyond. Mbita Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo condemned the murder, calling it unnecessary and tragic.
“The murder of Professor of Rusinga Island is unfortunate. Violence never sorts out issues. May the killers and anyone who may have aided them face justice,” she said.
Residents described Professor Odhiambo as a humble and intelligent man dedicated to education and community development. Many were shocked that a land dispute could lead to such extreme violence.
Security officers have increased patrols in the area to prevent further unrest while urging villagers to remain calm and cooperate with investigations.
Police Hunt for Suspects
Police have already launched a manhunt for the two suspects believed to be behind the TUK Lecturer Death. According to investigators, the men fled the village immediately after the incident, making it difficult to track them.
Officers are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Authorities also revealed that the disputed land has been a source of conflict for several months, and the lecturer had been seeking peaceful resolution through local administration.
Detectives are now piecing together evidence and interviewing witnesses to establish the full circumstances leading to the killing. The motive is suspected to be linked to the land wrangles, but officers have not ruled out other possible angles.
Academic World Pays Tribute
Until his untimely death, Professor Odhiambo served as the Director of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the Technical University of Kenya. Colleagues and students praised him as a brilliant scholar and mentor who dedicated his life to shaping future leaders.
His death has not only robbed the university of an academic pillar but also denied Kenya a voice in research and education.
The family, meanwhile, remains heartbroken. They described him as a caring father, devoted educator, and a man of peace who never shied away from helping others.
