Mbale cyclist killed by in-laws, several houses torched in revenge attack

One person has been killed and several houses set ablaze in clashes between two families in Makoka village, Bumototo parish in Bunghokho -Mutoto Sub-county in Mbale District.
Chaos ensued after one of the residents identified as Bernard Munyosi, 40, a boda boda rider, was reportedly hacked to death on Monday morning.
According to eyewitnesses, the deceased was killed by his in-laws at their home in Makoka village, where he had visited to persuade his wife, Ms Mayimuna Kawaka to return to his home.

The in-laws allegedly accused Munyosi of battering their sister on several occasions yet he had not paid the bride price.
Mr John Magomba, one of the residents and eyewitness, said Munyosi’s brothers-in-law did not give him a chance to explain why he had visited.
“They instead surrounded him and cut him severely using pangas. He died on the way to the nearby clinic,” he said.

The LCIII chairperson, Mr Massa Kadali, said this incensed Munyosi’s relatives, who attacked and set his in-laws’ houses on fire.
“Several houses were set on fire in retaliation,” he said.
The two families live just few metres apart but on the border of two different villages.

The Elgon Regional Policeperson, Mr Robert Tukei, confirmed the incident and said police officers had been deployed at the scene to prevent further clashes.
“Security officers have managed to restore calm but one person was killed and another injured. The injured one is currently admitted,” Mr Tukei, said, adding that no arrests have been made so far.

Mr Tukei condemned the clashes, saying the residents should learn to demonstrate tolerance.
“I urge residents to always learn to demonstrate tolerance amidst their differences,” he said.
However, Mr Joseph Difas, one of the residents said the two families have had a long standing family dispute over bride price.
“They were not happy that the man was always beating up their sister yet he had not paid the bride price,” he said.