Mob burns man for stealing two hens in Tharaka-Nithi

A man is fighting for his life at the Chuka General Hospital after an angry mob beat him Monday and set him on fire for allegedly stealing two hens.

Residents of Ngubu Village in Tharaka-Nithi County descended upon John Mugendi after they found him with two hens and beans, believed to have been stolen.

The 30-year-old man was later doused in petrol and set on fire.

The mob left the suspect burning but he managed to put out the fire and crawled to his house which was less than 500 meters away.

Police were informed of the incident by a villager and they took him to Chuka General Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition.

LAMENTS MOB JUSTICE

Tharaka-Nithi police boss Johnston Ipara lamented that members of public have developed the trend of taking the law into their own hands by burning suspected criminals.

He said this has denied the suspects justice or a chance by police to use them in investigation.

Mr Ipara warned that legal action would be taken on anyone linked to burning suspects.

“We need justice for all people and the public cannot execute it,” said Mr Ipara.

Meanwhile, Mr Ipara advised the youth to engage in income generating activities and refrain from stealing.

“Farming in this region does very well and the youth can create employment through it to avoid stealing,” advised Mr Ipara.