A prized bull belonging to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale turned aggressive, and gored its longtime caretaker and trainer, Kizito Moi, aged 46. The bull, named Inasio, was later on speared to death by the visibly upset Senator.
According to Khalwale, his caretaker, Moi, had devoted 24 years of his life working for the Senator. Moi was dedicated to the training and well-being of the bull, known as Inasio.
According to reports, Inasio is the reigning champion of bullfighting contests in Ikolomani.
The tragic incident occurred in the bull’s den, with Moi’s lifeless body discovered on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Moi’s body had visible severe injuries on various parts of his body, including the neck, stomach, back, head, and buttocks.
The five-year-old bull, weighing 120kg, had recently achieved the title of reigning champion on January 1, 2024.
Senator Khalwale expressed disbelief at the rarity of such incidents, recalling the last similar event in Ikolomani that happened 30 years ago.
The discovery of Moi’s absence during breakfast raised concerns, leading to the finding of his body in the bull’s den.
“My farm has two sides – the dairy part and the bull. The deceased was purely working on the side of the bull. Training it and taking care of its wellbeing. In the morning, he failed to report to work, and everybody got concerned,” the Senator recounted.
Austin Munasia, the treasurer of Kakamega bullfighting association, called for a thorough investigation into the incident, suggesting the possibility of foul play.
According to the traditions of the Idakho and Isukha sub-tribes, when a bull participating in bullfighting kills a person, its body parts are shared while the animal is alive.
Participants cut their share and run away until the bull falls dead, and the meat is then distributed randomly.
Another resident of Western Kenya, Bilal Makokha agreed with those sentiments adding that the bull should be eaten ‘carelessly’.
“The bull should be cut in pieces while it is still alive. It should not be skinned. The meat should not be eaten by members of the immediate family. Only outsiders should carry the chunks away. Hiyo bull infaa kukulwa ‘amanyanyafule’ – eating it without order. It should be eaten carelessly,” explained Makokha.
Senator Khalwale said the traditional process of managing such a disaster will commence on Sunday, January 28, and conclude a day after the burial of the deceased.
Videos circulating online showed the bull being escorted by residents to an open ground. The Senator is seen cursing the bull before spearing it to death. Residents were then allowed to cut it into pieces and carry them away.
Senator Khalwale assured that the traditional processes for burying Moi, in accordance with the Idakho and Isukha sub-tribes’ customs, would also be observed.
“We are treating this as an unfortunate accident – it is something that rarely happens that a bull can kill its caretaker. We shall follow all the laid down procedures that are done in such an incident so that we don’t leave anything to chance,” the Senator said.
In line with tradition, individuals caring for bulls participating in bullfighting contests are usually bachelors without children.
The senator also confirmed he would coordinate with Mr. Moi’s family members to ensure a decent send-off for the deceased.
