Detectives are investigating the killing of an off-duty Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier who was slashed to death during a violent robbery in the Kombewa area of Kisumu County.
Police and military officials identified the victim as Senior Sergeant Elly Oweno of the HPSS Embakasi unit. The fatal attack occurred on the night of Friday, December 19, at Asat Beach.
According to police, the deceased had closed his shop and was walking home with a friend when they were ambushed by a gang armed with pangas and other crude weapons. The attackers reportedly used a flashlight to blind the victims before launching a vicious assault.
The soldier and his companion sustained deep cuts to the head, neck, and hands as the assailants slashed them repeatedly before making away with a bag belonging to the deceased. Police said it is not yet clear what was inside the stolen bag.
The two victims were rushed to hospital for treatment, but Senior Sergeant Oweno later succumbed to his injuries. His friend remains admitted in hospital in stable but serious condition.
The body of the deceased was moved to the mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects behind the deadly attack, which is part of a growing trend of violent robberies in the area. Security agencies say additional officers have been deployed to hotspots within Kombewa and surrounding areas as efforts to curb the crimes continue.
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