A suspected livestock thief was lynched by furious residents in Kiamwaki village, Kirinyaga County, on Sunday, with his body later set ablaze.
The dramatic incident unfolded after a neighbor raised an alarm upon finding the suspect attempting to untie his cow in the shed.
Community members believe the suspect is part of a larger network involved in cattle thefts, reportedly collaborating with butchers from nearby markets, including Kerugoya, Baricho, Kutus, and Kagio.
“We suspect these thieves have established connections with local markets, making their operations more organized,” said Joseph Kinyua, a resident of the area.
Residents have expressed growing concern over a series of thefts, noting that unknown individuals frequently invade homes and farms at night, stealing livestock, chickens, and various agricultural produce.
This wave of crime has left the community feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
In response to the rising tension, Kanyekiine location chief, Gilbert Karimi, urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He emphasized the importance of working with local authorities to effectively tackle the issue of livestock theft, rather than resorting to violence and vigilantism.
“We understand the frustrations of the community, but taking matters into your own hands can lead to tragic outcomes,” the chief stated.
He called for patience and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served through appropriate legal channels.
Following the lynching, the remains of the deceased were transported to the Kerugoya Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Chief Karimi reiterated the need for legal processes to be followed in such situations, stressing that addressing grievances should be handled within the framework of the law to prevent further escalation of violence.
