A senior academic at Maseno University has been killed in what police believe may be a long-running land dispute, sending shock waves through his family, colleagues and the wider community in Homa Bay County.
Dr Daniel Odhiambo Dondi, 54, a finance lecturer at Maseno University, was attacked outside the gate of his home in Kabong’o Village, Rachuonyo East Sub-county, on Saturday evening. Police say he suffered fatal injuries after being assaulted with a sharp weapon. Investigators are treating the killing as a suspected murder linked to a boundary dispute, although they stress that inquiries remain ongoing and no final conclusion has been reached.
According to investigators, Dr Dondi had been walking home when he was confronted by an assailant. His daughter, who witnessed the attack, raised the alarm, prompting the suspect to flee before members of the public could intervene. Crime scene officers later documented the area before the body was taken to Rachuonyo Sub-County Referral Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
The victim’s father, Michael Dondi, said the family had been involved in a long-running dispute over a land boundary with the suspect.
“My son and the suspect had a court case over the boundary,” he said, adding that he believes the disagreement may have led to the fatal attack.
Police have confirmed the arrest of a suspect, who is expected to face court as investigations continue. Authorities have not released further details on the case, saying detectives are pursuing all available leads before making a final determination on the motive.
The killing has left residents of Kabong’o Village mourning the loss of an academic described by colleagues and neighbours as dedicated to both his profession and community. It also adds to growing concern over violent conflicts arising from land ownership disputes, an issue that has repeatedly surfaced in different parts of Kenya.
Investigators have appealed for calm as the case moves through the justice system, urging anyone with information that could assist the inquiry to come forward.
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