The family of Tom Odhiambo, a professor at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), has been thrown into mourning following his death on Tuesday, September 30.
He was reportedly hacked to death by unknown assailants in a land dispute in Kakrigu village, Mbita sub-county, Homa Bay county.
Reports suggest that two young men committed the heinous act and immediately fled the scene after killing him, leaving his father with serious injuries.
The incident occurred while Odhiambo and his father were visiting the disputed land in preparation for its demarcation with the area chief and a surveyor.
According to witnesses, a group of individuals had encroached on the disputed land, prompting the deceased to seek the help of local authorities.
While preparing to meet the chief and the surveyor, the two men approached Odhiambo and his father, hacking the lecturer who died on the spot. The father sustained injuries, was rushed to the hospital.
Mbita Deputy Sub-County Commissioner Peter Mutiso disclosed that Odhiambo sustained serious injuries on the head that resulted to excessive bleeding and consequently to his ultimate death.
Police officers arrived at the scene, conducted preliminary investigations before carrying the professor's body to Kirindo Mortuary.
The officers have since commenced investigations into the incident and to apprehend the suspects who are still at large.
While commenting on the matter, Mbita Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo condemned the incident, terming it unfortunate. She called for quick investigations and the arrest of the suspects.
"The murder of Professor of Rusinga Island is unfortunate. Violence never sorts out issues. May the killer and any persons who may have aided or abetted in his death be brought to book," said the lawmaker.
Until his death, Tom Odhiambo was the Director of the university's School of Mathematics and Statistics. The lecturer died at the age of 55 years.
