Trans Nzoia County – June 23, 2025 — Tension is high in Chepchoina, Trans Nzoia County, after three men were found shot dead in Kibosit Forest on June 21, prompting protests and a confrontation between villagers and law enforcement officers.
The bodies of the victims—two Kenyan nationals and one Ugandan—were recovered with multiple gunshot wounds, raising questions over who was responsible for the killings and the motive behind them.
The Victims: Shot at Close Range
Police identified the victims as:
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi Wafula, 73 – gunshot wounds to the head and chest
- Samuel Barasa Wanyonyi, 22 – gunshot wounds to the head, shoulder, waist, thigh, and leg
- Nabende Mukulo, a Ugandan citizen – gunshot wounds to the back, stomach, and left leg
Authorities confirmed that all three men had been shot at close range, fueling speculation of a targeted execution rather than a random act of violence.
Survivor Claims Armed Gang Carried Out Attack
According to a survivor of the incident, the group had been preparing charcoal in the forest when they were ambushed by eight armed men. He managed to flee the scene and alert local villagers, who later informed the police.
“They were surrounded while working in the forest. It was a planned and brutal ambush,” said a local elder who spoke to Sauce.co.ke on condition of anonymity.
Clash Between Locals and Security Officers
Chaos erupted when police and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials from Suam Station arrived to collect the bodies. Villagers attacked the security team, accusing them of foul play and attempting to cover up the incident.
“There is growing mistrust between residents and the security forces,” said a local human rights activist. “The people want answers and accountability.”
On their way back from the forest, the police convoy was again attacked by unknown individuals, further complicating investigations.
Authorities Promise Thorough Investigation
The killings come amid long-standing tension between local charcoal burners, forest squatters, and security agencies over forest use and conservation. Police have vowed to launch a full-scale investigation to determine the identity and motive of the assailants.
“We are treating this as a serious criminal case. No conclusions will be drawn until investigations are complete,” said a senior police officer involved in the case.
