A land conflict in Rusinga, Homa Bay County, turned deadly after Prof Tom Odhiambo of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) was killed in a violent attack. The professor died instantly after being hacked on the head by two young men, who also left his father injured.
The dispute reportedly began when neighbors encroached on Prof Odhiambo’s land, prompting him to seek the intervention of the local chief and a land surveyor to help establish clear boundaries. According to Mbita Deputy Sub-County Commissioner Peter Mutiso, the professor and his father went to the disputed land ahead of the officials.
How did the attack unfold?
Mutiso explained that upon their arrival, two young men appeared, and one of them attacked Prof Odhiambo with a panga. The blow caused severe head injuries, leading to his immediate death. His father was also attacked and sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Prof Odhiambo’s body was taken to MED 25 Kirindo Mortuary, while his father was rushed to Mbita Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
Authorities have launched investigations into the killing, with local leaders condemning the violence and urging a peaceful resolution of land disputes. Mutiso confirmed that security teams are following leads to trace and apprehend the attackers.
The incident underscores the recurring tensions surrounding land ownership in rural Kenya, where disputes over boundaries and inheritance often escalate into violence. For the academic community, the sudden death of Prof Odhiambo marks a tragic loss, while his family continues to seek justice as investigations move forward.
By Lucky Anyanje
