Tensions flared in Kibuye, Kisumu, on Sunday morning as an enraged mob took the law into their own hands, lynching two middle-aged men over alleged criminal activities in the area. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, pitting residents against the police and culminating in a tragic display of vigilante justice.
The crowd, fueled by anger and accusations of criminal involvement, converged at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital. One of the middle-aged men had sought refuge at the hospital, presumably to escape the mob’s wrath. However, the determined mob, undeterred by the hospital setting, breached the security and apprehended the suspect.
The first suspect was accused of mugging and killing a businesswoman on Saturday night, a crime he purportedly confessed to. Overpowering the hospital’s security, the mob forcibly removed the suspect from the premises, subjecting him to a lynching.
Following the grim incident at the hospital, the mob proceeded to Kibuye Market, where they tracked down the second suspect hiding in a shop. This individual was allegedly part of a gang utilizing unregistered motorbikes and causing mayhem in the Kibuye area. Accusations surfaced from motorbike riders, claiming the gang had tarnished the reputation of legitimate riders.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived laxity of security agents, residents vowed to take matters into their own hands, initiating a citizen-led crackdown to identify and apprehend criminal elements within the boda boda community.
In response to the escalating situation, police deployed tear gas to disperse the angry residents, particularly those demanding action against the gang operating unregistered motorbikes.
The tragic turn of events culminated in the bodies of the two lynched individuals being taken to the Jaramogi Ondinga mortuary. The incident highlights the delicate balance between public frustration, accusations, and the need for a lawful and fair justice system to address criminal activities. Authorities are now faced with the challenging task of quelling tensions and restoring order in the aftermath of this vigilante justice episode.
