Police in Myanga village, Bungoma County, are investigating a shocking murder in which a man was brutally killed using a power saw in what is believed to be a love triangle gone wrong.
The victim, identified as Edward Mwela, was found dead inside a woman’s house early Sunday morning. His body lay in a pool of blood with a deep neck wound believed to have been inflicted by the saw.
According to witnesses, Mwela had visited the home of a single mother when another man, allegedly hiding inside the house, launched the deadly attack. The assailant then fled the scene.
Police Recover Blood-Stained Power Saw
Police later discovered the blood-stained power saw about 100 metres from the crime scene. Investigators believe it was the murder weapon.
“We have recovered the saw believed to have been used in the murder. Our officers are pursuing the main suspect, who escaped immediately after the incident,” said Bungoma County Police Commander Francis Kooli.
The woman in whose house the murder occurred was arrested for questioning as part of the ongoing probe.
Police moved the body to Bungoma County Referral Hospital Mortuary for an autopsy, which will help determine the exact cause of death.
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Manhunt Launched for Key Suspect
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched a manhunt for the main suspect, believed to be the woman’s lover. Police have appealed to him to surrender.
“We urge the suspect to turn himself in before we catch up with him,” said an officer close to the investigation.
The gruesome murder has left residents of Myanga village in shock. Locals described Mwela as a well-known trader who frequently visited the area.
“We are still trying to come to terms with what happened. It’s disturbing that someone could use a power saw to kill another human being,” said Thomas Wekesa, a village elder.
Rising Cases of Love Triangle Murders
Incidents of domestic and relationship-linked murders have surged in Kenya over the past year. According to the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), more than 35% of homicide cases reported in 2024 were connected to intimate relationships or infidelity disputes.
Gender experts say that emotional instability, jealousy, and financial stress continue to fuel such killings.
“These crimes are preventable if there are stronger community interventions, counselling, and better conflict management,” noted Dr. Joyce Mutua, a criminologist at the University of Nairobi.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has also urged citizens to resolve disputes peacefully and report domestic tensions early.
For support, individuals facing relationship or domestic conflict can contact the National GBV Hotline 1195, run by Healthcare Assistance Kenya (HAK), or access help from FIDA Kenya and Amnesty International Kenya.
Community Urged to Stay Vigilant
Police have asked residents of Bungoma to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations continue. They also reminded the public that mob justice remains illegal and punishable by law.
“We know emotions are high, but justice must follow due process,” added Commander Kooli.
The killing adds to a growing number of village-based crimes of passion that have rocked Western Kenya. Earlier in August, a similar incident in Kakamega involved a man who killed his partner and later attempted suicide.
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