Rabai Family Demands Swift Probe Into James Mvaya, 62, Brutal Killing

Spokesperson Hamath Zoka joined other relatives to voice frustration over slow progress as daughter Jane described how the family now struggles in tough conditions after the savage daytime attack that claimed James Mvaya’s life.

Hamath Zoka stood before gathered relatives and raised his voice. He spoke plainly about the pain that still grips them weeks after the horror. James Mvaya, 62, a retired officer from the Kenya Ports Authority, met a terrible end on his land.

Attackers struck him hard in broad daylight and then set him ablaze right there in the Rabai area of Kilifi County. The incident happened on a quiet afternoon that shattered everything for those who loved him.

Zoka did not hold back. He pressed authorities to move faster and bring those responsible to book.

What really happened to James Mvaya in Rabai?

Attackers ambushed the retired ports official on his farm and burnt him alive in a vicious assault that left the community in shock. Police have records of the case, but the family says real action feels missing so far.

Jane, his daughter, fought tears as she addressed the situation. She explained how the loss disrupted their lives. “Familia imeachwa katika hali ngumu,” she said during a conversation to supporters who came to offer condolences.

Her words carried raw weight. The family now faces daily hardships without the man who held them together. Bills pile up. Plans for the future hang in limbo.

Neighbours in Rabai still whisper about that fateful day. Some heard shouts. Others saw smoke rise from the shamba. The fire consumed not just a person but years of quiet retirement dreams.

Mvaya had served at KPA for decades before stepping away to tend his land and enjoy simpler times. July 4, 2026, marks another painful milestone as the family marks fresh grief.

Hamath Zoka gathered the clan and made their position clear. He called for immediate and thorough investigation. “We want police to act now,” he told those around him. Relatives nodded in agreement.

They demand answers about who planned the attack and why. Was it robbery gone wrong? Personal grudge? Land dispute? So many questions swirl without solid replies yet.

Why does the family feel abandoned by investigators?

No major arrests have taken place despite clear evidence of a daytime killing that should ring alarm bells across Kilifi. The relatives say they provided statements and leads but see little movement from the officers handling the file.

Local leaders in Rabai expressed concern too. One elder pulled Zoka aside after the gathering and promised to push county officials for support. Kilifi has seen several violent incidents on farms in recent years.

Residents remember similar cases where justice dragged slowly. Families wait months or years while suspects roam free. This pattern adds salt to the wound for Mvaya’s people.

Jane walked through the family compound later that day. She pointed to spots where her father used to sit and share stories. The air still felt heavy. “He worked hard all his life at the ports,” she recalled.

“Now we bury him like this and no one seems to care enough to find the killers quickly.” Her voice broke at points, but she pushed on. She wants the public to know their pain. She hopes pressure from outside will light a fire under the probe.

Zoka backed her fully. He spoke to the group about the need for transparency. He listed the steps they took since the attack. They reported the matter right away. They identified possible witnesses.

They even offered information on people who argued with Mvaya over land boundaries months earlier. Yet the file sits somewhere in the system with minimal updates.

“If they can do that to a respected retired officer in daylight, what about us small people?” She shook her head while packing her stall.

Authorities confirmed they opened a murder docket. Detectives visited the scene and collected evidence, including charred remains and items scattered around the farm.

A postmortem report showed severe burns and injuries consistent with blunt force before the fire. But the family wants more than paperwork. They seek arrests and court dates.

Jane stood with her siblings as Zoka wrapped up the meeting. She repeated her plea in quieter tones. The family feel cast aside in their hour of need. Daily life brings constant reminders of the empty chair at meals.

Zoka vowed they would not stay silent. He intends to escalate the matter to higher police offices if the local teams delay their response. He mentioned specific dates when they followed up with no results. The family documented every visit and call.

This case touches deeper worries in Kilifi about safety on rural lands. People once felt secure on their shambas. Now suspicion clouds even familiar faces. Mvaya’s story spreads through markets and radio stations.

As the sun dipped low over Rabai that evening, Jane lingered near the spot where her father fell. She touched the soil gently. The family clings to memories while they chase answers.