This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
On October 10, a couple in Migori separated after a fight, marking the beginning of a tragic widow inheritance dispute.
According to Luo traditions, a widow is expected to be inherited by a man called 'Jater', who is supposed to sleep in the deceased's house, have sexual relations with the woman, and leave behind his coat.
However, many men are hesitant to take on this role, known as 'tero chola', which is meant to cleanse the woman of the spirit of death and misfortune.
When the suspect, Anyiko, asked for his daughter, he was told that according to their culture, the child should remain in the family and belong to the deceased. This angered him, as revealed by villager Alice Anyango.
On August 14, 2019, Migori police boss Joseph Nthenge reported that villagers had chased the suspect, who disappeared into a nearby sugarcane plantation.
Nthenge also stated that the bodies were taken to Rapcom Hospital mortuary and that the police have intensified a search for the suspect to avoid a retaliatory attack.
