A family in Elgeyo-Marakwet County is mourning the mysterious death of a mother and four children whose bodies were found on Saturday, July, 25.
A report by Daily Nation indicated that the lifeless body of the mother, Salome Maiyo, was found in their home in Kapcheplim Village alongside those of her three children, Hildah Cheptoo, 15, a Form One student, Brian Sangura 10, and Kevin Kibet, 7.
Confirming the incident, County Commander John Mwinzi noted that the homestead had been cordoned off as investigations into the matter commenced.
The bodies were found at around 3 p.m. with the cause of death still a mystery.
"It is a very sad incident. The bodies were found a few minutes past 3 p.m. by a neighbour who in turn reported it to the police," stated Mwinzi.
The commander also confirmed that the deceased woman had been estranged from her husband who had reportedly not set foot in the home for 10 days until the incident took place.
Marakwet West Sub-County OCPD John Matasi, on the other hand, narrated that he received a message from Area Chief Andrew Kiplangat that there was a body of woman who appeared to have committed suicide by hanging.
The lifeless bodies of the children were found lying on the sofa.
Speaking to the press, witnesses disclosed that they had never seen a quarrel emanating from that homestead.
"The family has always been a hardworking one since they moved here a few years back. As to why such an act would have happened, is still a puzzle to us. We hope that the authorities will get to the bottom of the issue," A neighbour, phillemon Tanui, told the publication.
"After realising no one came out of the house for the whole day despite there having been people last evening, I broke into the house. What I saw will never get out of my mind," another witness noted.
Since Covid-19 pandemic struck the country, cases of domestic violence have been on the rise with the Ministry of Health warning of a continuous rise.
“We want to remind everyone that the law has not been suspended and that it will catch up with those who mete violence on others during this period,” Health CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi warned.
