A suspected thief was burned to death in Nakuru Town West Constituency on Wednesday, January 3.
The suspect, who was in company of two others, was lynched in Soimet Village at around 9:30pm.
According to the residents in the area, the three suspects attacked and robbed two pedestrians while riding on a motorbike.
As per the witnesses’ account, the two victims were walking by the road when the suspects approached, grabbed a mobile phone and injured one of them.
Further, a witness who spoke to The Kenya Times revealed that two of the suspects were armed with pangas.
During the commotion, the victims shouted for help and the villagers came to their rescue.
Upon noticing the imminent danger, the two thieves who were aboard the motorbike took off leaving the rider who did not manage to escape.
Subsequently, the villagers caught up with him and in a show of rage, the angry mob descended on the suspect giving him a thorough beating before burning him to death.
Warning to Nakuru Gangs
The witnesses further vowed to unite as Nakuru Town residents in the fight against the surging cases of insecurity in the region.
“This should serve as a warning to the other robbers and gangs causing fear in our community,” he said.
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Recent reports indicate that Nakuru County has a hub of insecurity cases for months now and the residents are living in constant fear.
According to residents who spoke to The Kenya Times, several cases of theft have been reported to the relevant authorities, but the situation has not been addressed sufficiently.
Commissioner Blames Police Officers
Earlier in June 2023, Nakuru County Commissioner, Loyford Kibaara had blamed police officers for the rise of terror gangs in some section of Nakuru County.
Kibaara claimed that some police officers were working with some of the gangs hence interfering with their efforts.
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Besides, he said that the Police officers included high ranking officers in the National Police Service who failed to fight the criminal gangs because of their existing relationship.
Furthermore, Kibaara said more than five criminal gangs in the area had been engaging in rivalry fights.
The areas that have been previously affected include Shabab, Sewage, Pondamali, Stima-line, Mwariki, Mauki, Grogon and Jasho areas among others.
