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An angry Odiko confronted and threw verbal insults at Ngoje before they went physical.
Members of public at the scene where mob lynched a fisherman accused of killing a colleague at Nyagina beach in Suba North on September 16,2023
Members of public at the scene where mob lynched a fisherman accused of killing a colleague at Nyagina beach in Suba North on September 16,2023 Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
A quarrel over a puff of cigarette ended in tragic deaths of two fishermen at Nyagina beach in Suba North constituency, Homabay County.
The two fishermen Shikuku Odiko and Geoffrey Ngoje engaged in a fight over a Sh15 cigarette stick Ngoje had bought.
Trouble started when Odiko aged 36 started throwing verbal insults at Ngoje aged 32 after he denied him a puff of the cigarette.
According to chief of Rusinga East Location Mboya Owuor, the verbal insults turned into a physical fight before Odiko drew a knife and stabbed Ngoje to death.
“Ngoje started bleeding profusely before he succumbed to the chest injuries inflicted on him by Odiko,” said. Owuor
The Saturday evening incident caused a lot tension around the beach attracting a number of residents.
The administrator said some friends of Ngoje and members of the public mobilized themselves and got hold of Odiko and lynched him.
“The mob caught up with Odiko as he was trying to escape. Some stoned him while others beat him with wooden rods and paddles. He succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the beatings,” said Owuor.
One of the fishermen who was killed during fracas in Nyagina beach, Suba North constituency
One of the fishermen who was killed during fracas in Nyagina beach, Suba North constituency
The matter has been reported at Mbita police station for investigations as the two bodies were taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.
Meanwhile police have summoned Nyagina beach management unit officials to record statements over the two incidents.
“They are expected to help investigating officers with relevant information about the incidents. The officials will also help the police with identities of people who participated in the mob justice,” Owuor added.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo condemned the two incidents asking beach management officials to always be on the lead in resolving disputes among fishermen.
“It is high time beach management officials took their roles seriously including addressing disputes before they get out of hands. Police intervention should be sought immediately to avoid loss of lives and destruction of properties,” said Millie.
