Eight killed by mobs in Nyanza crime war

Eight people have been killed in separate incidents in Nyanza Province.

Five of them were set ablaze in Rapogi, Uriri District, by residents for terrorising them at night.

The mob laid ambush for the five at the weekend. They handcuffed the men, doused them in petrol and burnt them.

Area deputy police boss James Mwangi said the sixth person was rescued by police who took him to Awendo District Hospital for burns treatment. He is still in the hospital.

In the second incident at the weekend, a robber was stoned to death in Nyasare Estate in Migori town. A police uniform was recovered from his house.

Mr Mwangi said he was a member of a gang that mugged people at night in the border town while masquerading as police officers on patrol.

His alleged accomplice, who is a church leader, was arrested and taken to the local police station as the public bayed for his blood.

The officers had to shoot in the air to disperse the stones-armed mob.

In the third incident, which also took place at the weekend, a middle–aged man was killed in Onyalo Estate in the same town after he was found breaking into houses at night.

He was stoned to death despite his pleas for mercy.

“We are tired of night muggers in this town. These criminals have known how to beat the justice system,” said Mrs Mary Anyango, a fish trader in the town.

Migori district commissioner Julius Mutula, however, cautioned the residents against taking the law in their hands.

“Report all suspects to the police for legal action to be taken against them. I have directed police to intensify both day and night patrols in the town to make sure everybody is safe,” he said.

At the same time, a cattle rustler was lynched by villagers in Nyamira North District.

Mr Robert Chabani was found driving away a bull which he had stolen in Itibo sub-location of Ekerenyo Division.

Elsewhere, a man was found dead in Ritembu village in Gucha District at the weekend.

Mr Nyangena Onderi’s body — which had deep wounds on the forehead, throat and back — was found dumped on a footpath leading to his home.

Family members said Mr Onderi had gone on a drinking spree at his neighbour’s house. He stayed there till late.