Police in Rachuonyo East sub-county have arrested two suspects in connection with the recent burning of a pastor’s vehicle in Jwela village, Ramula location.
The incident, fueled by suspicions of cattle rustling, has shocked the local community.
According to authorities, the pastor had driven to the area on a personal visit to meet a female friend and parked his car along a road leading to River Miriu.
However, the parked vehicle raised alarm among locals, who feared it may have belonged to cattle thieves.
Residents quickly mobilized, setting up three roadblocks using boulders and keeping watch between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm. The vigil resumed again from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm as they waited for the car’s owner to return.
An eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, said the situation turned chaotic when the pastor finally appeared.
“As he approached the car, he was attacked by the crowd. His companion managed to escape into the darkness, while the pastor tried to flee but was forced back into the vehicle. He eventually escaped, though he sustained injuries,” the witness said.
Shortly after he fled, the angry villagers set the car ablaze.
Ramula Location Chief Judith Gumbo Ayodo confirmed that two suspects have been arrested and are currently being held at Senta Sori Police Station.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and arson.
