The family of Professor Tom Odhiambo, a senior lecturer at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), is mourning his sudden and violent death following a brutal attack in Homa Bay County on Tuesday, September 30.

Odhiambo, aged 55, was reportedly hacked to death by unidentified assailants during a land dispute in Kakrigu village, Mbita Sub-county.

His father, who was with him at the time, was left nursing serious injuries after the attackers descended on them with crude weapons.

Attack During Land Visit

According to accounts from locals, the tragedy struck while Odhiambo and his father had gone to inspect a disputed piece of land.

The two were preparing for a planned demarcation exercise that was to involve the local chief and a government surveyor.

Witnesses revealed that individuals believed to have encroached on the land confronted the pair, leading to the attack.

Reports indicate that two young men approached the family and violently attacked the professor, inflicting fatal injuries to his head.

The lecturer died instantly as his father was rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.

Police Response

Mbita Deputy Sub-County Commissioner Peter Mutiso confirmed the incident, stating that the lecturer bled excessively after suffering deep head wounds.

Police officers who arrived at the scene ferried Odhiambo’s body to Kirindo Mortuary as investigations into the killing got underway.

Security agencies are now pursuing the suspects, who fled immediately after committing the crime.

Leaders Condemn the Killing

The incident has sparked outrage among leaders and locals alike.

Suba North Member of Parliament (MP) Millie Odhiambo strongly condemned the attack, describing it as senseless and regrettable.

“The murder of the professor is very unfortunate. Violence never resolves disputes. I call upon the authorities to ensure the killers, and anyone who may have abetted them, are brought to justice,” she remarked.

Loss to Academia

Until his untimely death, Professor Odhiambo was the Director of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at TUK.

Colleagues and students described him as a dedicated scholar whose contribution to education and research will be deeply missed.

Police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that those behind the killing will face the full force of the law.

Professor Tom Odhiambo, a lecturer at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) who died on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Photo Millie Mabona.