A 17-year-old schoolgirl was stabbed to death and her younger brother seriously injured during a late-night attack at their home in Olando village, Homa Bay County.
Police say the attacker is believed to be known to the family, but his identity remains unclear. He fled the scene and is now the subject of an intense manhunt.
The girl, Alphins Opuodho, a Form Three student at St Joseph’s Olando Mixed Secondary School, died after being stabbed several times. Her 12-year-old brother, a Grade Six pupil, survived the attack but sustained deep wounds to his head, hand, and abdomen.
“It happened around 11.30pm. The man forced his way into their home while the children were sleeping,” said Richard Okinyi, the assistant chief of Kibwer Sub-location. “He first attacked the girl, then turned to the boy.”
Neighbours rushed to the house after hearing the children’s screams. They found the siblings in a pool of blood and called for help.
Both children were taken to Magunga Level Four Hospital. Alphins was pronounced dead on arrival. Her brother remains in hospital under treatment.
The motive for the attack is still under investigation. Authorities suspect a personal dispute may have led to the violence, though no official details have been confirmed.
“We are working closely with the police to find the man responsible,” Okinyi said. “The girl’s family say they didn’t know him personally, but believe he had been in contact with her before.”
Homa Bay County police have not yet released a description of the suspect. No arrests had been made by Wednesday morning.
The girl’s body has been taken to St Camillus Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem.
The incident has shocked the local community, raising fresh concerns about the safety of young women and children in rural areas.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said, “We’ve never seen anything like this. People are scared. We just want justice for the family.”
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
