Two suspected robbers lynched in Karatina
Residents have asked police to beef up security in Karatina and its environs.
Two suspected criminals were lynched by a mob in Karatina town, Nyeri County, on Friday night following a robbery at a retail electronic shop.
Another suspect escaped unhurt as the irate residents launched a manhunt for him during the night drama.
According to witnesses, the three suspects broke into the shop at Kiamariga market, about 10 kilometres from Karatina town, on Friday night and stole assorted electronic items including TV sets and phones.
A guard raised the alarm and the three escaped on a motorcycle towards Karatina town with local residents in hot pursuit.
On the outskirts of the town, two of the suspects jumped over a perimeter fence and entered into a nearby plot, where they were cornered and lynched.
“I heard a commotion near my home and suspected that there was a problem. I went there and on arrival at the scene I found the thieves being lynched by a mob. They were bleeding profusely with injuries all over their bodies. They were later set ablaze," said Kelvin Muriithi, a resident.
Mathira East Sub-County Police Commander Samson Leweri did not immediately answer calls by the Nation seeking his comment but an officer who is not authorised to speak to the media confirmed the incident.
“The bodies were taken to Karatina Level Four Hospital mortuary awaiting identification and post-mortem examination. We’re still trying to trace the third suspect who escaped,” the officer told Nation.Africa.
The suspected robbers, who are said to be known locally and in their 30s, were described by residents as notorious criminals who alongside other gang members have been terrorising businessmen and residents in Karatina town and its environs, allegedly breaking into their business premises and houses at night.
The residents decried rising cases of break-ins and asked police to beef up security.
“We have recently experienced a spate of criminal activities and house breaking and robbery incidents have become common place. Recently a woman was ambushed at her home in Mathaithi area in broad daylight and no suspect has been arrested so far. The police should act now before the situation gets worse,” said Denis Mugo, a resident.