Nyandarua villagers celebrate lynching of suspect, family livid
What you need to know:
- The attack also the bother of the deceased and a four-year-old boy nursing serious injuries.
- The residents claimed that the murder was justified since the suspect had terrorised them for long.
In a macabre development, Ramana villagers in Nyandarua County are celebrating the brutal murder of a young man by a vigilante group that accused him of being a troublemaker.
The attack also left the deceased Mr Peter Maina’s brother and a four-year-old boy nursing serious injuries.
The residents claimed that the murder was justified since the suspect had terrorised them for long.
It's believed that the attack was planned and executed by a group of men belonging to a vigilante group, with police being complicit.
“We are happy with the murder and destruction of their property. The suspect is a drug peddler and a criminal who has ruined the lives of many local youths. The suspect was arrested several times but released from police custody under mysterious circumstances. We are happy. He deserved to die. We applaud those who did the job,” said an elder, Mr Alex Boto.
Ms Purity Kanyoro alleged that the suspect was a known drug peddler at Ndundori Market, Charagita, Tumaini, Kwa Roda, and the neighbouring villages.
She, however, expressed fears that the situation might escalate after four of the suspects' colleagues allegedly warned of possible revenge.
Night attack
“He has business partners who are well known by the residents and the police have sent a message that they are planning to avenge the murder. They have threatened to mobilise their customers and gangs from Nakuru to execute the revenge mission,” claimed Ms Kanyoro.
During the Thursday night attack, Mr Maina’s house home was raided by the vigilante group members who pulled down his house before descending on him.
His elder brother Mr Mathenge Kimanya sustained serious injuries when he went to rescue him.
“I am not aware that my brother was involved in any illegal activities. The gang turned on me when I went to rescue him. We called the police who did not respond on time. We demand investigations and arrest of my brother’s attackers,” said Mr Kimanya.
He wondered why the police failed to respond in time considering that the scene is about 500 meters from the Mirangine Police Station.
Mirangine Deputy Commissioner Joseph Ng’eny said initial investigations indicated that the victim belonged to a criminal gang that has terrorised the residents for a long time.
“The incident is regrettable. Residents should not take the law into their own hands, but instead, should report any suspect to the authorities for necessary action to be taken,” warned the DCC.
Police moved the body of the victim to JM Memorial Hospital Mortuary in Ol Kalou Town as investigations continue.
