How land conflict led to brutal murder of Kwale woman

The brutal murder of Priscah Bahati from Lungalunga has added to the growing number of femicide cases in Kenya in recent times.

Bahati’s life was allegedly cut short over a piece of land she bought for Sh70,000 at Mwamgulu, Lungalunga, in Kwale County. According to police and family members, the motive for her death was to repossess the land.

Bahati had been living with her 11-year-old daughter on the land, where they farmed. Her body was found dumped in a ditch, her eyes and teeth gouged out. Bahati’s murder has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of women in society, who often fall victim to violent deaths.

Bahati’s uncle, George Wandera, confirmed that his niece had purchased the land in Mwamgulu for Sh70,000 in cash. “She had bought a two-acre piece of land and was in the process of building her home, determined to create a better future for herself and her daughter,” he said.

He described Bahati as a hardworking woman and a devoted single mother.

Wandera explained that Bahati had gone to collect manure from a neighbour’s farm on the fateful morning when she disappeared during her second trip to collect more manure. “When she failed to return, her 11-year-old daughter, who had come back from Sunday school at around 1 pm, grew worried. After waiting the entire day and night without any sign of her mother, she alerted a neighbour and spent the night there,” said Wandera.

The following day, villagers were alerted, and a search was launched. Bahati’s body was discovered, naked and mutilated, in a nearby bush. “Her eyes and teeth had been gouged out, and the extent of the injuries suggested a brutal attack. This was reportedly not the first attack on her,” he said.

He added that local authorities were notified, and the body was taken to Coast General Hospital.

The family is now calling for swift action from law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.

According to Lungalunga Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Joseph Sawe, the prime suspects are the family who sold Bahati the land. He explained that the assailants took advantage of the fact that Bahati, who’s originally from Western Kenya was not local and was living alone with her young daughter.