Brothers Take Own Lives in Dispute Over Family Land

Two brothers, Vincent Kipkorir Koech, 19, and Gilbert Kibet Koech, 17, died by suicide in apparent protest of their father's decision to grant a portion of their family land to their stepmother.

The incident took place in Kapsilibwa village, Narok County, just two days after the burial of the brothers' step-brother on the same land, a decision that had already caused significant tension within the family. Local authorities confirmed the deaths which took place on Friday near the Amalo River, roughly a kilometre from the family residence. According to investigations, the core of the conflict stemmed from Mzee David Towett's reconciliation with his first wife, Mrs Alice Chebet, after 44 years of separation.

Upon her return to the family, Mr Towett, following consultations with elders, agreed to allocate her a portion of their shared land, which amounted to approximately 0.8 acres. News reports indicate that the brothers had a history of making threats of suicide, and their warnings on Thursday, accompanied by ropes, were tragically dismissed. Furthermore, they had caused disruptions during and after the step-brother's funeral, even refusing to participate in the burial itself. The escalation of their behaviour culminated in the partial destruction of family property before their disappearance.

The discovery of their bodies, hanging side-by-side near the river, sent shockwaves through the community. Mrs Chebet, who has eight children of her own, had rejoined the family after a series of personal losses. She had buried a son on Wednesday on the family land, a necessity that ultimately spurred her reconciliation with Mr Towett. Sadly, this reconciliation came at a devastating cost. The families are now awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations before laying their sons to rest. Local authorities, including county assembly member Stephen Saitoti, have expressed deep sorrow over the events.

This double tragedy, with two family members taking their own lives for seemingly the same reason, is considered a rare and heartbreaking occurrence in the region.