Man Dies by Suicide in Alego Usonga After Dowry Dispute

A tragedy struck Alego Usonga constituency on Sunday morning when a 35-year-old man, Nicholas Otieno, popularly known as Abanko, was found dead in Udura village. 

Residents discovered his body hanging from a mango tree in Kadenge sub-location, sparking shock and sadness across the community.

Preliminary reports suggest that Otieno may have taken his own life following a dispute over dowry cattle related to his elder sister’s marriage. 

The disagreement reportedly arose after Otieno demanded full control of the dowry animals, while his mother offered him only one calf. 

The conflict is believed to have escalated into a quarrel, which ultimately preceded his death.

Kadenge Assistant Chief Jacob Ouma confirmed that the family reported the incident shortly after 3:00 a.m. 

He said Otieno left home the previous night at around 9:00 p.m. and his body was discovered several hours later by youths returning from a funeral vigil. The youths immediately raised the alarm and informed the family.

According to Chief Ouma, the dowry ceremony had taken place the day before the incident. Otieno insisted on receiving at least two cows, while the family maintained that the agreed dowry had already been settled. 

This disagreement appears to have contributed to the unfortunate event.

Police officers responded to the scene, moved the body to the Siaya County Referral Hospital mortuary, and are conducting investigations. 

A postmortem examination is expected to determine the exact cause of death and provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Community members have expressed deep sorrow at the loss, highlighting the tragic consequences of family disputes and stressing the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts. 

Local leaders have also called for increased awareness around mental health and support for individuals facing family pressures.