Panic as mob kills five family members in Kisii village ‘revenge attack’
Houses torched following the lynching of five family members in Metembe village of Nyaribari Masaba constituency, Kisii County on April 17, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Mr Nyabuga's sons were reportedly set free because of insufficient evidence linking them to the murder.
- In addition to the killings, the mob also burnt down the victims’ six houses during the incident.
Residents of Metembe Village in Masimba, Kisii County, have killed a man, his wife, and their three children over accusations that they were responsible for the murder of a middle-aged man.
The armed mob stormed the homestead of Mr Jackson Nyabuga on Thursday night and set houses on fire while the family was asleep.
The fifth victim was slashed to death as she attempted to flee.
The attackers are said to have been agitated by the decision by the courts to release two of Mr Nyabuga's sons, who allegedly had been associated with the death of the young man, slightly more than a month ago.
Mr Nyabuga's sons were reportedly set free because of insufficient evidence linking them to the murder.
Dismayed by their return to the village, the mob is said to have bought petrol, sprinkled it on houses in the homestead, and then set them on fire.
In addition to the killings, the mob also burnt down the victims’ six houses during the incident.
The bodies of the victims were severely burnt when police officers arrived.
Masaba South Deputy County Commissioner Jane Manene confirmed the incident.
"Investigation into this unfortunate incident is continuing. It is wrong for people to take the law into their own hands," Ms Manene said.
The bodies of the victims were moved to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem. The police are pursuing the persons involved in the incident.
wnyaberi@ke.nationmedia.com