By Gastone Valusi and Dennis Mwikya
Tears flowed freely on Thursday during the burial of Three infants who were burned to death over family land tussle in Kangundo, Machakos County last week.
Somber mood engulfed the silent village of Uthini as villagers paid their last respect to the children. The trio are Lavin Nduku Mwanziu (9), her brother Leone Musyoki Mwanziu (6) and their cousin Letisha Muthoni (4) perished after fire razed their grand fathers house on the evening of January 10, 2023. The children had visited the village for Christmas holidays, unknown to them, it was end of their short life journey.
Born on January 2013, Lavin stayed with her parents at Pipeline estate in Nairobi. On the fateful day, Lavin and her late brother Leone left the city in a company of their father Charles Mwanziu. The duo joined their cousin Letisha who had also traveled with her parents from Kahawa West for holidays. That night, unknown assailants burned several houses and a probox motor vehicle.
Speakers during the burial that was shunned by all local leaders called on speedy investigation to bring the suspects who are on the run to book, and justice for the children's premature death.
The family had been advised to seek a court redress on the matter after failed mediation.The matter had been escalated to the area National Government officers. Tens of assailants who were in Motorcycles stormed the homestead around armed with crude weapons causing everyone to flee for safety. The children were however left inside the house.
According to Pastor Bernard Mwanzia of Redeemed Gospel church Kithongoni said it was unjustified for infants to lose their lives in the hands of assailants.
"This is a bad incident even before God. I want to condemn it with all terms possible and urge the Government to ensure the suspects are grilled and punished " He said and urged the villagers to embrace each other even at a time when there are disputes.
Area Police boss Zachariah Bitok said four suspects have since been arrested and arraigned in court in connection with the murder. Sources added that 5 others are on the ran
According to the area Assistant County Commissioner, Joyce Akinyi,the late Mr Nyitu Mulili had two wives and before he passed on in 2004 he wanted the second wife(iweto) to be evicted from his land together with her six children. The first wife is also deceased but is survived by a son Mr Richard Mulili.
"The second wife is now in a feud with the son of the first wife as she wants the property of the late Mzee Nyitu divided equally between the two families," Ms Akinyi told The Anchor in a Telephone interview.
The commissioner warned area residents against taking the law into their hands and advised on Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism or the courts.
