Two suspected thieves were lynched by a mob in Mutalia village, Machakos County, on Sunday, September 4.
Angry residents beat the two to death on suspicion of being members of a gang that has been terrorising locals in the recent past.
The gang of three is believed to have broken into the house of one Doreen Achieng at around 3:00 am Sunday morning.
Confirming the incident, Matungulu Sub-county police commander Peter Omondi said the gang gained entry into the house by breaking through the window.
“The gang collected several household items including electronics, flash disks, 3 laptops, 5 phones, 2 cameras, clothes, ladies’ make-up and even foodstuff,” the police boss said.
Thieves lynched
Speaking to K24 Digital on phone, Omondi said one of the suspects was cornered a few meters from the house where they stole from while the other, who was limping, was caught in the thicket and brought back to the scene of the crime for questioning.
“When neighbours came for the rescue, they caught and beat them to death. However before the second suspect was killed, he was found carrying some USB flash disks in his pocket, which were positively identified by the woman of that family. The angry public bounced on the second suspect and killed him too,” the police boss explained.
It’s reported that the gang had attempted to sexually assault the owner of the house before neighbours came to her rescue.
A neighbour sensed unusual noise and alerted the rest, they raised alarm and residents woke up and took cover. The thugs took to their heels with the stolen items but dropped them when one was caught.
A source, who sought anonymity revealed to K24 Digital that the gang has been terrorizing Matungulu residents for years, urging security agencies to increase patrols at night.
“The gang has been stealing our property and killing people in the area. Most of us sleep with eyes wide open and ears alert for any unusual movements at night because these robbers have been a mess,” the source said.
The bodies of the deceased were moved to Kangundo Level 4 Hospital mortuary awaiting autopsy.
Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the third suspect who is still at large.
Omondi warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands and asked them to hand over any suspects to the police for further action.
“If we could have got the two before they were killed, the police could have used our tactics to source information and know all those they collaborate with to keep their gang alive. It’s against the law to kill because they should have been taken to court to face the law,” the police commander avered.
