Prof. Tom Odhiambo, a lecturer at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), was fatally attacked during a land dispute in Rusinga.
He died instantly after being hacked on the head by two young men, who also injured his father in the violent incident.
The dispute reportedly arose after neighbors allegedly encroached on Prof. Odhiambo’s land.
Concerned about the ongoing tensions, Prof. Odhiambo sought the intervention of the area Chief and a land surveyor to clearly demarcate the property boundaries and resolve the conflict.
Mbita Deputy Sub-County Commissioner Peter Mutiso said that Prof. Odhiambo and his father arrived at the disputed land ahead of the Chief and surveyor to inspect the area.
Upon their arrival, two young men confronted them, with one attacking Prof. Odhiambo with a panga (machete).
Prof. Odhiambo sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot. His father was also injured and rushed to Mbita Sub-County Hospital for medical treatment.
The professor’s body was taken to MED 25 Kirindo Mortuary.
The killing has heightened concerns over the rising incidents of violence linked to land disputes in the region, a challenge that has affected many families and communities in Homa Bay County.
Local authorities have launched investigations and vowed to apprehend the suspects involved.
Prof. Odhiambo was a respected academic and community member, and his death has sparked outrage among university staff, students, and residents, who are calling for justice and urgent measures to address land conflict-related violence.
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