KISUMU, Kenya, Feb 18 – A police officer was among five suspected criminals who were lynched by an angry mob after the abduction and robbery of a cooperative society official in Muhoroni.
According to police, the incident occurred on Monday after Richard Bala, the treasurer of Mashambani Farmers Cooperative Society, withdrew Sh1.1 million from a Kenya Commercial Bank branch in Muhoroni at about 11:00am.
“While still within Muhoroni shopping centre, Bala was reportedly accosted by five individuals who bundled him into a white Toyota Premio, registration number KDW 721H, and drove off towards the West Valley Sugar Factory area in Koitaburot location,” the police report stated.
It pointed out that Bodaboda riders who witnessed the incident raised the alarm and pursued the vehicle, which was later intercepted at Kijiret by members of the public.
Following this, the suspects were forcibly removed from the car and beaten to death by an irate mob before police could secure the scene.
Police officers who responded reported that during the chaotic incident, an accidental discharge occurred.
“A bystander, identified as Irine Chepkemoi, sustained injuries to the left side of her chest from debris caused by stones. She was taken to Kericho County Referral Hospital, where X-rays confirmed the injuries. She is reported to be in stable condition,” the report stated.
Items recovered from the scene included a toy pistol resembling a revolver, multiple vehicle number plates, a mobile phone, handcuffs bearing serial number KE-KP 2055, and a Certificate of Appointment belonging to Police Constable No. 113684, Jayson Kamau, indicating that one of the suspects was a serving officer.
The vehicle used in the incident was also recovered.
Police documented and photographed the scene, and the bodies of the five suspects were moved to the Kericho County Referral Hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and identification.
The case has been classified as pending under investigation, with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Soin/Sigowet handling the matter.
Authorities have condemned mob justice and urged the public to allow law enforcement agencies to handle suspected criminals through the legal process.
