By Elvis Lagat
Chaos unfolded in Mtaragon trading centre, Kipkelion West constituency, Kericho County, after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier was killed following a violent altercation. Police confirmed that the soldier, who is believed to have been off duty at the time, was engaged in a heated argument with a group of young people at a local establishment. The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation, leaving the soldier with serious injuries.
Despite attempts by bystanders to rescue the soldier and rush him to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries before medical assistance could be provided. Kericho County Police Commander James Ngetich confirmed the soldier's death, describing the incident as a tragic turn of events after a scuffle turned fatal.
"People fought, and one of them was cut – who was also a soldier from a special unit and had not even graduated from the forces. He was injured and taken to Kipkelion Hospital, but later he was referred to Kericho Hospital. I was there when he passed away," stated the area MCA.
The soldier was reportedly off duty when the violent confrontation occurred. His death sparked outrage among the locals, leading to widespread unrest. By Sunday morning, angry villagers launched a retaliatory search for the suspects involved in the altercation. However, after failing to locate the individuals responsible, the mob began setting fire to homes and businesses in the area, further escalating tensions.
Several structures, including homes and businesses, were reported to have been destroyed by the fires. One of the victims, who lost everything in the flames, recounted the terrifying experience: "The fire started from the school and spread to my place, burning down all the houses. When I ran to try and put out the fire, they chased me away. I left, but all the money was in the house, along with beans, maize, and other belongings—nothing was saved. Even the bed was gone, and we were left with nothing, just me and the children."
Police confirmed that the property destroyed in the chaos was of an unknown value. Ngetich urged the community not to take the law into their own hands, emphasizing that authorities were handling the matter. "We are investigating the attack on the soldier, and efforts to trace the attackers are ongoing. We urge locals to remain calm and leave the issue to the authorities," he said.
The situation remains tense in the village, with concerns of further retaliation. In response, additional security forces have been deployed to restore order and prevent any more violence. The soldier's body has been moved to the local mortuary for an autopsy and further investigations.
The incident highlights the rising cases of mob justice in the region, with many victims being framed and killed in the process. Authorities are urging the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and to allow law enforcement to address any allegations against suspects.
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