21-year-old man lynched by mob over alleged Miraa theft

According to residents, the deceased, identified as Dennis Muriuki, had been stealing muguka and miraa in the region, causing distress among local farmers. While some had grown frustrated with the thefts, others were shocked by his brutal killing.

“The death of a young man whose father is a shoemaker at Ikulungu Shopping Centre has left many in disbelief. He was killed after being caught with only 200 grams of miraa twigs worth less than Ksh 200,” said Joseph Murimi, a local resident.

Residents of South Ngariama say the rising value of muguka—sold at Ksh 800 per kilogram—has led to increased thefts in the area. However, some believe the killing was unjustified.

“It is said that Denis Muriuki was killed after being caught with only 200 grams of muguka. I wish he had asked for employment instead of resorting to theft,” lamented Mr. Njogu, another resident.

Kirinyaga County has seen a rise in cases of suspected thieves being lynched by members of the public. In another incident yesterday, angry residents of Diambo village in Ngurubani town killed a 41-year-old man suspected of stealing chickens.

Confirming the incident, Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso stated that the deceased, Dennis Muriuki, was a known criminal.

“Police have taken the body to the mortuary. He had been arrested multiple times for theft-related offenses in South Ngariama. However, we urge residents to report cases to the authorities instead of resorting to mob justice,” Jarso said.

Authorities continue to warn the public against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the need for legal measures to address crime.