Two suspected cattle thieves were stoned to death by a mob in Matulo, Bungoma County, on Thursday, after being allegedly caught escorting stolen cows through the village.
Village Elders Intercept Suspects in the Act
According to reports from Kenya Police Service, a group of village elders on routine patrol intercepted the two men who were seen leading two cows suspected to have been stolen.
The elders stopped the suspects and asked for proof of ownership, at which point the pair attempted to flee, raising suspicion and prompting the elders to sound an alarm.
Mob Descends on Suspects After Alarm Raised
Alerted by the commotion, villagers responded swiftly. A mob formed and attacked the suspects with stones and clubs, killing both men at the scene before police could intervene.
“It was a case of mob justice. We urge locals to report suspects to authorities instead of taking the law into their hands,” said a Bungoma police spokesperson.
Cows Recovered and Identified by Owner
Following the fatal attack, police confirmed that the two cows were positively identified by their rightful owner, who claimed they had been stolen from his homestead the previous night.
The animals were recovered and returned to the owner as investigations continue.
⚠️ Mob Justice: A Rising Concern in Rural Kenya
Cases of mob justice remain prevalent in Kenya, particularly in rural areas where communities often take action before police arrive. While such acts are often driven by frustration with rising theft, they are considered criminal offenses under Kenyan law.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has repeatedly condemned mob justice and encouraged peaceful conflict resolution through legal channels.
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