Kakamega Brothers’ Deadly Clash Over Ugali Ends in Tragedy
A dispute over ugali turned fatal in Kilimani Village, Kakamega County, when a heated argument between brothers Reuben Lutaboni, 42, and Michael Lukala, 40, ended with one hacked to death on February 18, 2025.
What Happened
The brothers had returned home Tuesday evening to cook dinner in their mother’s kitchen when a disagreement erupted over the amount of maize flour to use for ugali. According to their elder brother, Peter Lukala, the quarrel escalated into violence. “They argued over how much ugali to make, and it ended with Michael’s life being taken,” Peter said. He recounted how Lutaboni grabbed an axe from the floor and struck Michael repeatedly, killing him instantly.
Their mother, Esther Akwam, witnessed the horror unfold. “Lutaboni hit Michael from behind, striking his head several times. I tried to intervene, but they overpowered me,” she said, tears in her eyes. Despite her screams for help, neighbors arrived too late—Michael lay dead in a pool of blood.
A Shocking Turn
Peter described the brothers as close, often working together on village jobs. “They were good friends. I don’t know what went wrong,” he said, puzzled by the sudden violence. Some villagers speculate an underlying feud may have fueled the attack, with the ugali dispute merely igniting long-simmering tensions.
Community Reaction
Village elder Cleophas Barasa condemned the incident, calling it a needless tragedy. “A small argument over food shouldn’t end in death. We must find peaceful ways to solve disputes,” he urged. Barasa also questioned why the middle-aged brothers still lived with their mother, suggesting, “Men over 40 should have their own homes to avoid such conflicts. Living together like this breeds tension.”
A Night to Remember
The brutal killing has left Kilimani Village reeling, with residents struggling to comprehend how a routine meal prep turned deadly. As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the cost of unresolved disputes—and the fragility of family ties strained beyond breaking.
