Two young men suspected of involvement in a string of shop break-ins were lynched by an enraged mob on Thursday evening in Thiba Village, Mwea West Sub-county, Kirinyaga County.
The victims, identified as Brian Kihara (21) and Benson Wanjohi (22), were allegedly part of a group of five youths said to be behind a wave of thefts affecting Thiba and neighboring villages.
According to eyewitness accounts, a large group of residents, angered by what they termed as police inaction despite repeated reports, stormed Diambo Estate in Ngurubani Town at around 4 p.m.
They forcibly removed the two suspects from their hideout and dragged them to the Thiba North football ground along the Mwea–Embu Highway.
There, in front of a gathering crowd, the suspects were reportedly interrogated and later set on fire.
No intervention was made by authorities at the scene, as some residents warned security officers against interfering or taking photographs.
“We have been reporting these cases, but nothing is ever done. That’s why we decided to take the law into our own hands,” said one villager, speaking on behalf of over 100 residents who gathered at the scene.
Thiba Location Chief Leah Wamutira confirmed the identities of the deceased and strongly condemned the incident.
“This is a tragic example of the dangers of mob justice. I strongly urge the public to report criminal activity to law enforcement authorities rather than resorting to such extreme actions,” said Chief Wamutira.
The bodies were transferred to Kerugoya Mortuary where autopsies are expected to be conducted. Meanwhile, police have launched investigations into the lynching and the alleged series of thefts that triggered it.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to identify other suspects and determine the full circumstances of the incident.
