Police have arrested the younger brother of Kakamega Homeboyz FC defender Silas Abungana following the footballer’s death, which reportedly arose from a family dispute.
Abungana, a beloved player at the Kenyan Premier League club, passed away on February 4 after sustaining severe head injuries during an altercation at his family home. The suspect, identified as Denmark Muchiti, is alleged to have attacked his elder brother with a club, striking him on the head.
According to family members, the incident was triggered by what was initially a minor disagreement.
Abungana’s father, while recounting his son’s final moments, said he never imagined that a simple family misunderstanding would escalate into a fatal confrontation.
Reports indicate that the dispute began when Abungana’s girlfriend went to Muchiti’s house to borrow a jiko (charcoal stove) but was turned away. After returning home and narrating the incident to Abungana, the footballer reportedly reacted angrily and cut off electricity supply to his younger brother’s house.
In retaliation, the 21-year-old brother allegedly picked up a club and struck Abungana on the head, causing serious injuries. Realising the gravity of his actions, the suspect fled the scene, prompting police to launch a manhunt.
Abungana was rushed to Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
On Tuesday, Kevin Teya shared a photo of the suspect in handcuffs, confirming his arrest. “Denmark Muchiti, the main suspect in the murder of Kakamega Homeboyz FC defender Silas Abungana, has been arrested after being on the run. Police confirmed that Muchiti, who is the younger brother of the deceased, had fled following the incident but has now been taken into custody as investigations continue,” Teya wrote.
The arrest comes amid widespread shock and grief within the football community, as Abungana had featured for Kakamega Homeboyz just days before his death, playing a full match for the club.
Police have said investigations are ongoing as they prepare to arraign the suspect in court. Meanwhile, fans, teammates and Kenyans continue to mourn the tragic loss of a promising footballer whose life was cut short under tragic circumstances.
