A man, whose identity could not be ascertained as of press time, was set ablaze at the Ntugi Kanyakine village in Meru county
According to the members of the community, the deceased belonged to a gang that stole goats, chickens, shoes, and clothes.
“I’m overjoyed because it means that there will be fewer thefts in the community. The deceased caused enormous suffering and loss to members of the community, and he got what he deserved. Members of the community can now live in peace,” an eyewitness said.
“He was a murderer who also broke into people’s homes, among other things. When he came across a member of the community, he cut them whenever he felt like it. I wish I could track down and thank the person who cut him with a machete before lynching him.
“I’m a hustler who owns a motorcycle and rides it to make a living. My advice to the youth is that the community has set an example with the deceased for anyone who is caught stealing,” said an eyewitness.
Geoffrey Kithinji, a resident said that earlier, the suspect stole his phone and threatened to cut him with a machete when he confronted him.
“I was called to the scene, and when I confirmed his death, my heart was at ease. The deceased was previously accused of cutting a female teacher with a machete,” Geoffrey said.
Millicent, another resident said that she arrived on the scene, she was astounded to see a man who had been burned to death. She advised the youth people to utilize their hands and work.
“The incident is an example of what could happen to anyone caught stealing. The youth should do what God has given them, and those who cause suffering to others by stealing should stop,” Millicent said.
Another resident said the suspect had been previously accused of stealing from a pastor. He said that there was a time the suspect hit him outside my gate late at night.
“I encourage members of the community to lynch any other suspects who are caught stealing from community members,” a resident said.
Felicity, another resident said the suspect’s 40 days were over.
“The youth should work hard and eat their own sweat instead of stealing from members of the community. Many complaints had been filed after residents complained about rising levels of insecurity,” Felicity said.
Another resident said the suspects had previously been accused of stealing from a pastor who had planned to attend a crusade.
“He was also a prime suspect in a robbery at a store. He posed a danger to the community because he cut people with a machete. Because he is said to be a dropout, the deceased’s theft may have been influenced by a lack of education. I implore members of the community to assist other dropouts in the community in resuming their education in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future,” a resident said.
The resident suggested other alternatives, such as hawking eggs and other numerous opportunities available, adding that dropouts should not become accustomed to stealing.
