Three People Lynched Over Alleged Baby Theft and Robbery in Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties; Police Warn Against Mob Justice

Three individuals were lynched by mobs in two separate incidents across Kisumu and Homa Bay counties, prompting a strong warning from police about the dangers of mob justice. Investigations have been launched into the events as authorities urge the public to respect the rule of law.

 

The first incident took place in Sindo Town, Suba South, Homa Bay County, where a middle-aged woman was killed by an angry mob after being accused of abducting a one-and-a-half-year-old child. Reports indicate that the woman allegedly took the child and handed her to a motorbike rider in an attempt to flee.

 

When the child’s mother discovered her daughter was missing, she confronted the woman, but the accused denied any involvement. As the mother raised the alarm, a crowd gathered and attacked the woman with crude weapons. She was later rushed to Suba Subcounty Hospital, but unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries.

 

Beatrice Odira, Deputy County Commissioner, confirmed the incident and condemned the act of mob justice, urging the public not to take the law into their own hands.

 

In a second incident, two suspected robbers were lynched in Tumaini, Nyalenda, Kisumu County, on Friday night, following a failed robbery attempt. Three men on a motorbike ambushed a female pedestrian, attacking her with a metal rod before stealing her bag and phone. The victim managed to raise an alarm, which led to members of the public chasing down the suspects.

 

The mob cornered two of the suspects and beat them to death, while the third suspect escaped on the motorbike. The female victim, who suffered injuries during the robbery, was rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and is recovering.

 

A manhunt has since been launched for the third suspect, and police are intensifying efforts to apprehend him.

 

Authorities have expressed concern over the increasing incidents of mob lynching and have reiterated the importance of the public relying on the justice system. Police officials emphasize that vigilante justice only fuels further violence and hinders legal processes. They urged citizens to report crimes to authorities instead of resorting to violent retribution.