By Remmy Butia
An 81-year-old guard was brutally murdered in the early hours of Sunday during a suspected robbery attempt at Chebonet Coffee Mill in Songhor Sub-location.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, was confirmed by the office of the Assistant Chief of Songhor Sub-location.
The deceased has been identified as Mr Joseph Bitok, a resident of Chemutia in Chemelil Location, who was on duty as a watchman at the mill.
According to a preliminary incident report dated 30 November 2025, the tragedy occurred at around 3:30 a.m. A group of thieves allegedly attacked the mill with the intent to steal approximately 100 bags of coffee. During the confrontation, Mr Bitok was fatally wounded.
A swift response from police on patrol led to the arrest of one suspect who was reportedly transporting coffee on a motorcycle. However, two accomplices on the same motorbike managed to evade capture and fled the scene.
Authorities have since confirmed that a second individual has been taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests to two.
As of Sunday morning, a joint operation involving police and members of the public was underway. Local volunteers were meticulously combing through the vast sugar cane plantations surrounding the area in a determined search for the remaining suspects who are still at large.
The body of the deceased has been moved to a nearby mortuary as police continue with their investigations.
The murder of Mzee Bitok has raised serious concerns about the security of agricultural storage facilities in the region, which are often targets for theft. Local leaders are expected to address the public later today.
