A dramatic daylight robbery in Muhoroni ended in grisly mob justice after five suspected criminals — including a serving police officer — were beaten to death by members of the public following the abduction of a cooperative society official.
Police say the violent incident unfolded on Monday morning after Richard Bala, treasurer of Mashambani Farmers Cooperative Society, withdrew Sh1.1 million from a Kenya Commercial Bank branch in Muhoroni at around 11:00am.
According to investigators, Bala had barely left the banking hall when he was accosted by five suspects within Muhoroni shopping centre. The gang allegedly forced him into a white Toyota Premio (registration KDW 721H) and sped off toward the West Valley Sugar Factory area in Koitaburot location.
Quick-thinking Bodaboda riders who witnessed the brazen abduction immediately raised the alarm and pursued the vehicle, triggering a high-speed civilian chase.
The suspects’ escape was short-lived.
Members of the public intercepted the car at Kijiret, where the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Before police could intervene, the crowd forcibly removed the five suspects from the vehicle and lynched them on the spot.
Police later recovered several items from the scene that deepened the mystery, including:
A toy pistol resembling a revolver
Multiple vehicle number plates
A mobile phone
Handcuffs marked KE-KP 2055
A Certificate of Appointment belonging to Police Constable Jayson Kamau (No. 113684)
The documents confirmed that one of the deceased suspects was an active police officer.
The getaway vehicle was also recovered and secured as evidence.
During the melee, officers reported an accidental discharge amid the confusion. A bystander, Irine Chepkemoi, sustained chest injuries from stone debris. She was rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital, where doctors confirmed she is in stable condition.
The bodies of the five suspects were moved to the Kericho County Referral Hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification.
The case is currently under active investigation by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Soin/Sigowet.
Authorities have strongly condemned the killings, warning that mob justice undermines the rule of law and can destroy crucial evidence.
Police are urging members of the public to report suspected criminals and allow law enforcement agencies to handle arrests and prosecutions through the legal process.
