Man, estranged lover found dead in house

Crime scene

The body of the man was found dangling from a rope tied to the ceiling while the body of the woman was found sprawled on a sofa.

Photo credit: File

Police in Migori County are investigating the deaths of a man and his estranged lover at a home in Kamyakuok village in Rongo sub-county, Migori County.

The sub-county Police Commander Peter Okiring said the body of the man, identified as Simon Oduor, was found dangling from a rope tied to the ceiling while the body of the woman, identified as Lucy Atieno, was found sprawled on a sofa without visible injuries.

“We have taken the bodies for a post-mortem examination at the Rosewood Hospital mortuary to establish the cause of the deaths,” he said.

South Kanyajwok location Chief Joseph Nyamanga told Nation.Africa that Oduor tracked down Ms Atieno to her home on Sunday night. The two spent the night together before their daughter found their dead bodies the following morning.

“The young girl had gone to pick up her school uniforms on Monday morning when she noticed the house was locked from inside. She alerted other relatives, who broke the door open before the two bodies were found," Mr Nyamanga said.

The chief said relatives had prevailed on the woman to return to her matrimonial home, promising to reconcile her with the man.

"A new house had been built for her. Her lover had followed her to try to persuade her to return home before the disagreement ended tragically,” said Mr Nyamanga.

Mr Thomas Abuor, who was living with the woman, said he had gone to his other home and was alerted of the incident on Monday morning.

"I received the shocking news and alerted local authorities, who accompanied me to my home, where I found my wife lying on a sofa while the man was hanging from the roof," he said.

Neighbours said the woman had been away for years and only came back in November last year following an intervention from her in-laws.

"What has happened is a taboo and the man can no longer live in that house. The house must be demolished and some cleansing ceremony done before the burial of the man and the woman. What happened is unfortunate,” said Mzee Narkiso Ouma.

Mr Okiring, the police commander, said: “I'm urging residents of Rongo to maintain calm as the matter is investigated. Couples should stick to their homes once married. They must remain peaceful in their marriages and ensure they solve their issues without resorting to violence,” Mr Okiring said.