This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
On Saturday, a senseless act of violence shook the community of Matulo Ward in Webuye when a 61-year-old man, Josephat Khwatenge, hacked a Class Eight pupil, Sammy Toroi, to death with a machete.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred without provocation, and the victim was pronounced dead on arrival at Lugulu Mission hospital.
Mr. Toroi's elder brother, who rushed to his aid, was lucky to survive with chest injuries after the suspect turned his machete on him.
The suspect's wife, Mrs. Jenipher Khwatenge, claimed that her husband returned home drunk at around 8pm and had an altercation with his family.
"He threatened to kill me, when I pleaded with him to stop assaulting me and our children he picked up a panga and stormed out threatening to attack anybody he would find on the way," said Ms. Khwatenge.
Mr. Toroi's father, Samson Simiyu, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, saying that the two families had lived together for three decades without any grudges.
"The two families do not have a grudge for the three decades we have lived together,” said Mr. Simiyu.
Mr. William Khisa, the suspect's brother, described him as a violent man who abhors advice.
On Sunday, the suspect's house was stormed by neighbours who lynched him in anger over the incident.
Published on July 8, 2019, at 3:10 am.
