Kisa East MCA stabbed to death during meeting in Kakamega

Stephen Maloba, the slain Kisa East MCA (in half jacket) with his supporters in an earlier event.

Photo credit: Shaban Makokha | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Witnesses said Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka had convened a meeting at the home of one of his supporters, when a group of youth told Mr Maloba that he was unwelcome to the meeting, therefore, they would not allow him in.
  • Tension was high in Kisa East Ward as supporters of Mr Maloba demanded the arrest of his attackers .

Kisa East Member of County Assembly (MCA) Stephen Maloba died Saturday after he was viciously attacked and stabbed as he headed to a meeting convened by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka.

The MCA, who was elected on an independent ticket, was confronted by a group of youth who shoved him at the gate before stabbing him with a knife.

Mr Maloba defeated his closest opponent Douglas Shitote of ODM, who filed a petition challenging his victory.

During the incident, witnesses said Mr Aseka had convened a meeting at the home of one of his supporters near St Dennis Munjiti Secondary in Khwisero when a group of youth told Mr Maloba that he was unwelcome to the meeting, therefore, they would not allow him in.

A witness who had accompanied Mr Maloba said the confrontation between the MCA and his supporters and the youths unfolded just a few metres away from police officers who were at the venue.

“At one point, I raised my hands, pleading with the youth not to attack but they pushed and shoved us before one of them drew the knife and stabbed Mr Maloba,” said the witness who we won’t name for their safety.

The knife-wielder is reported to be a bodaboda. He stabbed Mr Maloba’s left hand and chest.

“Mr Maloba collapsed and fell to the ground. We struggled to rush him to hospital on a bodaboda, he was bleeding profusely,” said the witness.

The MCA was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mbale County Hospital.

Tension was high in Kisa East Ward as supporters of Mr Maloba demanded the arrest of his attackers .

MP Aseka has since recorded a statement with the police, calling for urgent investigations into the matter.

He said: “I condemn the reported incident leading to the death of the MCA. My heart goes out to his immediate family, friends and the people of Khwisero for losing a great leader with whom I worked very closely."

Leaders from Kakamega, led by Governor Fernandes Barasa, his deputy Ayub Savula and Senator Boni Khalwale condemned the killing of the MCA even as police probe the incident