A tragic incident unfolded at Ebeneza Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ramoya village, Samba Sub-location, on Saturday when a 35-year-old church elder was fatally stabbed by a fellow elder during a church service.

The victim, Francis Opiyo, had just concluded delivering church reports to the congregation when the assailant – also an elder in the same church approached the altar and attacked him.

According to Suba South Sub-County Police Commander Caxton Ndunda, the suspect concealed a knife inside a Bible and used it to stab Francis in the left side of the chest. The attack happened moments before the main sermon, leaving worshipers in shock as Francis collapsed at the altar.

Preliminary reports suggest that the stabbing stemmed from a suspected love triangle, with the attacker accusing Francis of having an affair with his wife, who is also a church member.

Following the incident, the suspect fled the scene but later surrendered to the area Assistant Chief. Meanwhile, Francis was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Police have since apprehended the suspect, who is currently being held at Magunga Police Station.

Ndunda urged residents to resolve conflicts through peaceful means instead of resorting to violence.

The victim’s body has been taken to St. Camillus Hospital Mortuary in Sori Town, Migori County, as investigations continue.