Three suspected livestock thieves killed, lorry torched in Makueni

Three suspected livestock thieves were Friday morning lynched by an angry mob after they were found transporting two stolen bulls in a lorry.

The incident occurred in the Memea area of Makueni County, where residents intercepted the vehicle shortly after the bulls were reported stolen from nearby Ngiini. The suspects were attacked at the scene as crowds accused them of being part of a wider livestock theft syndicate operating in the region.

During the chaos, the mob torched the lorry used to ferry the animals, while a fourth suspect managed to escape and is now being sought by police.

The killings come amid growing anger over persistent livestock thefts that have plagued the area for more than a year.

Just days earlier, unknown thieves reportedly stole 80 goats, two cows, a dog and a cock, an incident that deepened fear and frustration among residents who rely on livestock for their livelihoods.