Angry villagers in Chaaria-Imenti set fire to a vehicle used to transport stolen cattle.
According to the area manager, Pius Kinoti, the car had been used three days prior to transport stolen cows belonging to a Mr.jed, Mr. Kaaro, and Mr. Kiragu.
Mr Kinoti informed BaiteTv that the perpetrators who stole the cars were all from Nkubu. He said that they were both wounded, with one being hit in the head and the other two suffering multiple deep cuts.
“The cars were used to move many stolen cattle, which resulted in losses for us,” he said.
Another resident, Gladys Kinya Nteere, demanded that the press be permitted to cover theft incidents taking place in the area. She said it would help with criminal identification.
“Thefts of cattle, goats, and sheep have kept residents up. My suggestion is that the perpetrator be taught a lesson to serve as a model for the rest of the suspects,” she said.
Another resident, Nichola Mutwiri, supported burning of the car. He claimed that his goat, worth Ksh 15,000, was stolen from the same location where the car was set ablaze.
He strongly advised the authorities to take action against the perpetrators.
Gaitu-west location Chief, John Mbiti told BaiteTv that there were many incidents of cattle theft two weeks earlier.
“Unknown people robbed two cows at the same time. We cautioned residents not to leave their cows grazing alongside roads and to keep their cows safe.
“We plan to use all of our expertise to locate the perpetrators.
“Pastor Mwenda, a Runyiene native, owned the stolen cow. He had left the cow to graze only to return to discover it had vanished.
According to reports, children saw the cow being put into a vehicle of the type probox.
“I encourage residents to be alert and report any new vehicles they see in the neighborhood. They do not expect bananas or other crops to be picked up.
“We received word that a car with the license plate KBV 759V was parked at Mr. Kirugunyi’s house. We called the cops and asked them to come right away.
“Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, the car had already been burned. The ropes, metal pieces, and machetes were said to have been discovered inside the vehicle.
“Although the rest of the suspects have yet to be taken to Gaitu police station, one of them sustained serious injuries as a result of the enraged mob assault.
“My advice to the people is to refrain from taking the law into their own hands because the road may have been robbed.
“We lose information when we kill a suspect and we can’t say whether they cooperated with the residents.
“The residents are clamoring for the suspect’s blood, but we are attempting to keep the situation under control,” he said.
Ms. Evangeline, assitant chief,gaitu-west location said that the vehicle had been used to carry over ten stolen cattle. There were three suspects in all.
“One of the victims has been named as a matatu driver from Kariene who was traveling between Meru and Nairobi. Another had been spotted earlier in the chaaria market.
“The third perpetrator, the driver of the burned-out car, has yet to be named. All three suspects are yet to be taken to the police station and have sustained serious injuries as a result of the mob assault.
“We had tried to persuade the enraged crowd to refrain from further injuring the perpetrators. The police have been hampered by the mob’s presence at the scene, which has hampered their transport to the station.
“We’re trying to figure out how to disperse the crowd,” she said.
