Baringo man lynched for singing forbidden song

A man in Baringo county was lynched following allegations of contravening Tugen traditions by singing rites of passage songs outside the confines of an initiation camp.

Samson Kipkemoi Kesses, 25, was found dead on Sunday (December 17) at an initiation camp in Nyalilkiruk village, Koibatek sub county, in an incident that will see the current initiates at the camp relocate so as to “appease the ancestors.”

The incident is believed to have occurred on Saturday evening after an intoxicated Kipkemoi, who is believed to be related to a Kalenjin artist, was allegedly found singing initiation songs at Nyalilikuruk centre.

According to a police officer who wished not to be named, a mob came out and said the singing was Tugen taboo before proceeding to frog marching Kipkemoi to the nearest initiation camp where they meted out their fury by tying his hands together and beating him to a pulp.

“We found the body of the deceased with bruises all over and it is alleged that this incident happened because he had sang initiation songs only meant to be sang at initiation camps,” said the police officer who had accompanied other security authorities in the retrieval of the body.

The deceased was found dead at the camp where he lay half-naked with his hands tied together.

Acting area OCPD Nzalika Kiptoo refused to comment on the matter saying she is not authorised to speak to the media.

Area residents recorded statements at the Eldama Ravine Police Station even as authorities look to identify and arrest suspects.

Some of the residents decried the severity of the punishment against Kipkemoi, saying, “The deceased was drunk. He did not deserve such punishment of death.”

The body of the deceased was moved to Eldama Ravine hospital mortuary.