Nandi: Police apprehend 2 after 19-year-old is beaten to death over maize theft
By Kiprono Keileb, February 10, 2026Detectives in Nandi County have moved swiftly to apprehend two relatives linked to brutally punishing a teenager suspected of stealing maize. The tragic case has shocked the local community in Kiplombe Location, Turbo Sub-County.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the young man, Kevin Kipkorir Meli, lost his life following a merciless assault at his uncle’s homestead.
DCI said the officers responded promptly to an emergency call regarding a fatal incident in Kaplelach village.
“Detectives from DCI Turbo have apprehended an uncle and aunt accused of jointly inflicting fatal punishment on their 19-year-old nephew, Kevin Kipkorir Meli, in a harrowing incident that unfolded on February 2, 2026, in Kiplombe Location, Turbo Sub-County,” the statement read.
The authorities described the scene where Kevin’s lifeless body was found under an avocado tree at his uncle’s homestead.
“Without wasting a moment, officers raced to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of Kevin Kipkorir Meli, lying beneath an avocado tree at his uncle’s homestead,” DCI stated.
Crime scene investigators meticulously documented the injuries on Kevin’s body, noting multiple wounds and the blood clot visible on his nose.
“Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers meticulously documented the gruesome crime scene. The young victim’s body bore multiple injuries on his head, back, legs, and hands, with a blood clot in his nose,” the DCI added.
Kevin’s body was transported to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for preservation and further examination. Investigators revealed that the motive for the attack stemmed from allegations that Kevin had stolen and sold dry maize from his uncle’s property.
“His remains were subsequently transported to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) morgue for preservation and autopsy. Preliminary investigations revealed a shocking motive: Kevin was suspected of stealing and selling dry maize from his uncle’s home,” DCI confirmed
The DCI also described the cruel method used by the suspects to punish Kevin, tying him to a tree before repeatedly beating him.
“In a twisted act of retribution, Phillip Kosgei, along with Tecla Chepchirchir, tied the young man to an avocado tree. They then subjected him to a merciless beating with canes until he fell unconscious and ultimately lost his life,” the DCI reported.
Authorities recovered the tools used in the assault, including a manila rope believed to have been used as part of the ongoing investigation. The police added that both persons of interest remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned as investigations continue into the shocking killing.
“Detectives recovered a manila rope, used to secure Kevin to the tree, and broken sticks, employed in the vicious assault, as crucial pieces of exhibits right next to the tragic scene. Both suspects are currently in police custody, undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment,” DCI’s statement concluded.