This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On August 20, 2019, a tragic incident occurred in Bungoma County, where a 46-year-old man identified as Geoffrey allegedly killed a 42-year-old widow, Helen Namalwa, also known as Hadija.
According to reports, the incident occurred at Nangeni A village in Mayanja sub-location, Bumula constituency, after a quarrel ensued between the two following a visit from a neighbour.
Geoffrey allegedly hacked Hadija on the head with a jembe and stabbed her on the neck and thigh with a kitchen knife before tying her to their bed with a leso.
Her children, who were present at the scene, heard her screaming and ran to their grandmother, screaming that she was being killed.
Geoffrey fled the scene and is suspected to have sought refuge in Uganda.
He is originally from Lwandanyi area in Sirisia constituency and was released from jail last year after being convicted of a criminal offence.
Geoffrey had moved in with Hadija in February 2019, after her husband, Elija Masinde, died a few years ago, leaving her to fend for her young children.
Geoffrey Wekesa Maungu, the clan chairman, stated that they had difficulty finding his home due to the lack of an identity card.
However, Hadija refused to listen to their concerns and even threatened to kill herself if Geoffrey was chased away.
‘’We decided to let them live together since he was assisting her in small shamba chores and looking after the family animals,’’ the chairman said.
Witnesses claim they saw the suspect fleeing the scene with blood stains and when confronted, he ignored the question and alleged that he had been sent to the market.
The body of the deceased has since been moved to Bungoma Referral Hospital morgue.
