Five gang members lynched after robbing Sacco treasurer Ksh.1.1M in Kericho

Five suspected robbers were lynched by an angry mob in Koitaburot, Soin Sigowet for allegedly robbing a Sacco treasurer Ksh.1.1 million moments after he withdrew from a bank in Muhoroni.

Police say the gang trailed the victim before ambushing him and attempting to flee using the West Valley Sugar Road.

Attempts by the 5-member gang to flee after staging the robbery in Kericho County was thwarted as residents who got wind of the situation swung into action.

Jesse Kiprotich, a resident of Koitaburot, said: “Hii incident imefanyika saa nne, ambapo tuliskia mayowe ikitoka kwa lami.”

Police officers who arrived at the scene a little too late recovered a toy pistol and fake vehicle registration plates, items believed to have been used by the robbers. Police say the gang had been under surveillance for weeks.

Lawrence Kisini, sub-county Police Commander, Soin Sigowet said: “This is a toy pistol resembling a revolver, ni plastic ndio iwastue…we have a walkie talkie here, itafanyiwa uchunguzi tujue the source, hii ndio wametumia kushtua wananchi.”

The incident has sparked mixed reactions with a section of residents voicing concerns over the rise cases of mob justice.

Moses Rono, a resident of Koitaburot, said: “Tunaambia vijana wasijaribu kufanya kitendo kama hii…kila mtu ameona vile wamefanyiwa vibaya.”

Commander Kisini: “Nawashukuru wananchi kwa sababu ya kushirikiana na polisi, kwa maneno ya usalama, tunasema usalama inaanza na wewe.”

The bodies of the five suspects are preserved at the Kericho County Hospital Mortuary.