Nyumba Kumi elders accused of beating man to death over slasher theft

Peter Kinyua, a resident, said the man  known as 'msanii' was  beaten up by Nyumba Kumi elders for accusing him of  stealing a grass slasher..

During the unrest, the elders were flushed out and chased away from the village. 

“We don't need village elders in our village and we wonder why Mwea-East sub-county security team has given village elders in gathigiriri ward  power to punish residents. We even saw one hardcuffing the deceased using a local chain,” Lucy Wambui said.

Villagers said they want the Nyumba Kumi alders charged for punishing and causing the death of 'Msanii'.

The elders descended on him  for allegedly stealing a slasher worth Ksh. 100. The elders are also accused of chasing away a young man over a suspected love affair. 

Mwea-East  Sub-county police commander Mohammed Jarso said they have launched investigations as they await postmortem on Msanii’s body.

“We have requested the Nyumba Kumi elders to record statements as we continue with investigations waiting for the postmortem but we are urging locals to avoid taking law into their own hands,” the police boss said.