KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Shock and fear gripped residents of Giacai village in Kirinyaga Central Constituency after a middle-aged man was beaten to death and his body set on fire by a mob over allegations of livestock theft.
The incident occurred along the Kerugoya–Kutus road, where motorists and passersby reportedly encountered the charred remains of the victim, drawing widespread outrage and concern.
According to residents, the man was accused of attempting to steal geese from a local farmer’s homestead, identified as Maina.
Villagers, led by John Njuki, claimed the suspect was part of a group that had allegedly broken into the property at night.
“Maina raised the alarm, and people responded quickly. They caught one of them,” said a resident, Gachau. “You can see police searching for his remains. He died over geese.”
Witnesses said members of the public apprehended the suspect, assaulted, and later dragged to the roadside, where he was set ablaze.
Other alleged members of the group reportedly escaped, with one narrowly evading capture.
Residents linked the incident to a surge in livestock theft in the area, saying criminals often target homes at night, especially during rainy weather. “They have been stealing livestock, chickens, geese, and other animals at night,” said Peter Kinyua. “People are frustrated.”
Detectives from the Kenya Police Service in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County visited the scene and transferred the body to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary, where it remains unidentified.
Police condemned the killing and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that mob justice undermines investigations and due process.
Officers noted that suspects, if apprehended lawfully, can provide critical intelligence to dismantle criminal networks.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify the deceased and pursue those involved in the killing, even as calls mount for enhanced security measures to curb livestock theft in the region.
