Mob lynches suspected arsonist in Machakos

Residents of Muthwani Village, in Matungulu Constituency, had spent hours hunting down the suspect after accusing him of starting the fire.

According to the villagers, the suspect was a known thief and criminal in the area, and had reportedly been linked to a number of criminal activities in the village.

Philip Lonje, a senior resident and former Chief’s office coordinator, confirmed the incident.

“I saw the suspect run past my home, towards the church, with the mob chasing him. The mob cornered him and finished him,” said Mzee Lonje.

Mzee Lonje noted that he had reported the suspect to police in Kinungi and Tala in an unrelated incident.

Another resident, Jerry Wambua, said that the suspect broke into a wild run after the mob set his body on fire.

“It was a horrific scene to witness,” said Wambua.

Police said that no one was injured in the fire incident.

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Tala are investigating the incident.

The charred remains of the suspect were taken to Kangundo Hospital Level 4 morgue.