Phillip Kosgei and Tecla Chepchirchir accused of fatally assaulting their 19-year-old nephew. Photo by DCI 
By Andrew Mbuva
Detectives in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County, have arrested an uncle and aunt accused of fatally assaulting their 19-year-old nephew in a chilling incident that has shocked residents of Kiplombe Location.
The suspects, identified as Phillip Kosgei and Tecla Chepchirchir, are alleged to have subjected Kevin Kipkorir Meli to a brutal beating on February 2, 2026, at Kaplelach Village, Turbo Sub-County.
According to police reports, officers stationed at Baharini Police Station responded to a distress call reporting that a young man had been beaten to death. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered Kevin’s lifeless body lying beneath an avocado tree within his uncle’s compound.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers who processed the scene documented disturbing details. The victim sustained multiple injuries across his body, including severe wounds to the head, back, legs, and hands. Police also noted the presence of blood clots in his nose, indicating the severity of the assault.
Kevin’s body was later transferred to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) morgue for preservation pending a post-mortem examination.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fatal attack was triggered by allegations that the teenager had stolen and sold dry maize from his uncle’s home. Investigators believe the suspects tied Kevin to an avocado tree using a manila rope before allegedly whipping him with canes in what authorities describe as a merciless assault that left him unconscious and ultimately led to his death.
Detectives recovered key exhibits from the scene, including the rope believed to have been used to restrain the victim and broken sticks suspected to have been used during the attack.
The two suspects remain in police custody as investigators finalize preparations to arraign them in court. Authorities have condemned the incident, reiterating that mob justice and corporal punishment remain criminal offences under Kenyan law.
