KENYA: Teen Herdsman Killed After Cattle Grazed In Maize Field In Kitale

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Authorities in Kitale, Kenya, have opened a murder investigation after a 19-year-old boy was reportedly found dead, over an incident involving cows that strayed into a maize field in Bidii village.

The young man, Enock Omoi, had recently moved from Kisii County to Trans Nzoia in search of job opportunities and was working as a herder.

According to residents, a conflict arose after his livestock wandered into a neighbor’s maize plantation. Shortly afterward, his body was discovered in the nearby Sabwani River.

The tragedy has sparked outrage among villagers. Many believe the reaction to the grazing incident was excessive and unjust.

Fridah Marumbo, a local, emotionally recounted the events, stating that Enock had merely gone to retrieve the cattle when he was chased and later found dead.

Chris Makori, a relative, questioned the logic of responding with violence, asking why the matter wasn’t addressed with the cattle’s owner instead.

Another family member, Douglas Makori, urged investigators to question all individuals who were in the field that day, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Kwanza Police Commander Fred Abuga confirmed that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are actively pursuing the suspects, who reportedly fled the scene.

As the community mourns, they are calling for justice and reassurance that such a brutal act will not go unpunished.