Police in Uriri, Migori County, are investigating an incident in which a 16-year-old Grade Seven pupil allegedly slashed his elder brother with a panga during a family dispute.
The confrontation reportedly arose from disagreements over their widowed mother’s relationship with a new partner. Their father died about a year ago, according to local administrators.
The incident occurred in Osokite Village, Thim Jope Sub-location, where tensions over the relationship had allegedly escalated before the latest confrontation.
Family Dispute Turns Violent
Thim Jope Assistant Chief Kerry Otieno said the 23-year-old had opposed his mother’s decision to live with a new partner. The younger brother reportedly supported the relationship.
Local administrators alleged that the disagreement had previously resulted in threats and violence. The elder brother had reportedly attacked the mother’s partner with a panga and threatened their mother.
Otieno said the younger sibling intervened during a confrontation, leading to the alleged attack.
“A 16-year-old boy cut his 23-year-old brother with a machete. They had differed over their mother’s inheritor. Their father died a year ago,” Otieno said.
The injured man reportedly received treatment at Migori County Referral Hospital. Initial police accounts also indicated that he had attempted to attack their mother.
Administrators Urge Family Dialogue
Following the incident, local administrators urged families to communicate openly about relationships formed after the death of a spouse.
Otieno said parents should discuss major family decisions with their children to minimise disagreements. He also called for greater transparency when introducing new partners into a household.
“Mothers need to speak to their children so that there are no family disputes. Wife inheritors need to reveal their identities,” he said.
The incident has drawn attention to tensions that can arise within families over widow inheritance and new relationships after bereavement.
Police Await Medical Documents
Uriri Sub-County Police Commander Ali Bashir said the investigation had not progressed because the complainant had yet to return with the required medical documentation.
Bashir explained that the injured man reported the incident and was asked to obtain a treatment sheet. The document would help officers process a P3 form for the case.
“The complainant has not followed up on his case. After writing a report, he was told to bring a treatment sheet for the purposes of filling a P3 form, but he has not come back,” Bashir said.
Police confirmed that the 16-year-old had not been arrested at the time of the report. Investigations remain ongoing as officers await further documentation and evidence.
Authorities have yet to announce any charges against the teenager.
