Manhunt launched after man kills his mother-in-law in Vihiga
By Enock Amukhale, July 8, 2026Police in Vihiga County have launched a manhunt for a 20-year-old man suspected of attacking and killing his mother-in-law in Chanzeywe Village, Mungoma Location, Vihiga Sub-County.
The deceased has been identified as Ebby Mahugi.
According to area Chief Esther Vidija, the assailant attacked the elderly woman at night while she had gone outside her house for a short call.
“The attacker stabbed the deceased several times in the chest, leaving her dead on the spot,” Chief Vidija said.
The suspect has been identified as Nehemiah Luyali, a son-in-law to the deceased.
He is said to be from Bunyore Ebusundi Village in Luanda sub-county but had relocated to Mahanga with his wife.
Belinda Minayo, the estranged wife of the suspect and daughter to the late Mahugi, said the father of her child had been threatening their family since she left the marriage. She accused him of involvement in criminal activities.
“He threatened to kill us. He was planning to torch our house using petrol, but we were informed about his mission,” Belinda said.
“He has been a problem. I left the marriage because of violence.”
Criminal record
Senior Assistant Chief Grace Adino of the area said the suspect is a known criminal.
“The suspect is known as Nehemiah Luyali and is a lethal criminal. I chased him from my area before he relocated to Mahanga with his wife. The wife has been facing it rough in the hands of the killer man. I have launched a manhunt to ensure he is arrested and taken to court to face the full force of the law,” Adino said.
The body of the deceased was moved to the Vihiga County Hospital mortuary as police began investigations.
Local leaders linked the incident to rising cases of gender-based violence in Vihiga, with many perpetrators said to be abusing hard drugs and alcohol.
Police urged members of the public with information on the whereabouts of Luyali to report to the nearest police station to aid in his arrest.