Ramoya Village, Homa Bay County – A disturbing incident unfolded on Saturday at the Ebeneza Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ramoya village, where a church elder was tragically stabbed to death during a service, allegedly over a love triangle.
The victim, 35-year-old Francis Opiyo, was attacked by a fellow elder shortly after delivering church reports to the congregation. The stabbing occurred at the altar, just moments before the pastor was set to deliver the main sermon.
According to Suba South Sub County Police Commander Caxton Ndunda, Francis had successfully concluded his session and was in the process of handing over to another elder when the assailant approached him. In a shocking turn of events, the suspect, who had concealed a knife in his Bible, lunged at Francis, stabbing him in the left side of the chest. Francis collapsed immediately.
Reports indicate that the perpetrator confronted Francis over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with his wife, who is also a member of the church. After committing the act, the assailant fled the scene but later surrendered to the area’s Assistant Chief.
Emergency responders rushed Francis to a nearby hospital, but he sadly succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. The police swiftly apprehended the suspect, who is now being held at Magunga Police Station.
Commander Ndunda urged the community to seek peaceful and constructive methods for resolving conflicts, emphasizing that violence is never a solution. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the need for dialogue and understanding in addressing personal grievances.
The body of Francis Opiyo has been transferred to St. Camillus Hospital Mortuary in Sori Town, Migori County, as the investigation continues.
