Tragedy as off-duty KDF soldier killed in brutal robbery in Kisumu

Detectives in Kisumu County have launched investigations following the killing of an off-duty Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier who was fatally slashed during a robbery in the Kombewa area.

Police confirmed the deceased as Senior Sergeant Elly Oweno, attached to the HPSS Embakasi unit. The soldier was attacked on the night of Friday, December 19, while walking home with a friend after closing his small business near Asat Beach.

According to investigators, the two men were ambushed by a group of attackers armed with pangas and other crude weapons. One of the assailants reportedly shone a torch directly at the victims’ faces as accomplices launched a violent assault, inflicting deep cuts on their heads, necks and hands.

The gang is said to have grabbed a bag belonging to the soldier before fleeing the scene on foot. Police have not established what items were stolen during the attack.

Both victims were rushed to hospital by members of the public, but Oweno succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. His companion survived the attack and remains admitted in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The soldier’s body was transferred to the mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police said a manhunt has been launched to track down the suspects, adding that patrols have been intensified in Kombewa and surrounding areas following a spike in violent robberies reported in recent weeks.

Residents have raised concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kisumu County, especially at night, with criminals increasingly targeting pedestrians and small traders.

In a separate incident in Maralal, police are probing the suspected murder of a 42-year-old man, Francis Kipchirchir, whose body was found inside a house in the Shabbah area. Officers said the victim had a deep cut to the throat, and a blood-stained panga and slasher were recovered near the scene. Two relatives, including the man’s mother, were arrested to assist with investigations.

Meanwhile, in Kisauni Sub-County, detectives arrested two suspects linked to the killing of Stephen Opello, who died after being brutally assaulted in Chembani, Mtopanga, last month. Police said the suspects were arrested following a tip-off from members of the public and will be charged once investigations are complete.

Authorities have urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help curb the rising cases of violent crime across the country.