Angry residents in Mukundu village in Meru County have lynched and burnt a suspect to death for allegedly engaging in robbery.
The suspect has been identified as Mwituria.
The suspect was reportedly forcibly apprehended by the irate mob in Mukundu village and lynched before being set ablaze.
With no show of mercy, his body was burnt beyond recognition.
The suspect, now deceased is said to have been engaged in cattle theft in Mukundu village.
An eyewitness told Baite Tv that the suspect had been seen escorting the cow to Gachuua village by the members of the community who were delivering milk to the dairy who alerted the rest of the members of the community.
He said that the suspect had stolen a cow that belonged to the owner identified as Koome, a deaf man.
“An enraged mob apprehended the suspect and delivered him to Mukundu village. Boda boda riders on a have gone to retrieve the cow from where the suspect had left it,” said an eyewitness.
He said that in Mukundu village, there were numerous reports of cattle theft and members of the community pursue the suspects and are unable to apprehend them.
Another eyewitness said that the suspect only mentioned stealing a cow and selling it in Rwanyange village before his death.
“We don’t know who his accomplices are yet because he never mentioned them before his death. There was no other way to punish the suspect because the police have failed to do their job. Suspects are released after being apprehended and turned over to the police,” said an eyewitness.
According to another eyewitness, no one would have suspected the deceased because he owned a motorcycle and was frequently seen riding it.
“We are also issuing a warning to motorcycle thieves because at this point, you cannot leave your motorcycle unattended for even a second without it being stolen, even if the keys are left behind,” he said.
He said the most sought-after was a new motorcycle.
“I want to warn them that their days are numbered, especially those who steal goats, cows, and cattle. The suspect was identified as Mwituria. He had also stolen the other cows, which have yet to be recovered,” he said.
The deceased’s uncle said that they had recently spoken with him, and he informed him that he was working in Mutuati.
“I was surprised to learn that he was a theft suspect and shocked to see him today being burned by an enraged mob. I accept that he is no longer with us and that he chose to be a thief,” he said.
Another eyewitness implored robbery suspects to give their lives to Christ before they are subjected to the same punishment
“I urge those engaged in acts of theft to consider what happened to the deceased,” he said.
He said they would never benefit from stealing other people’s property. He urged to find work even if it was to work as a toilet cleaner.