A phone thief in Umoja Village in Lugari Sub-Location in Lugari Sub-County, Kakamega County, narrowly escaped the mob’s vengeance thanks to timely police intervention.
The situation unfolded as the thief sought refuge in his house, prompting the threat of the mob setting it on fire.
The man, employed as a caretaker within the village, reportedly engaged in pickpocketing at a nearby drinking den, triggering a confrontation before fleeing to seek shelter.
The victim mobilised others to confront the alleged thief, urging him to return the stolen phone, but to no avail as the accused remained unyielding in his hiding place.
The chaotic scene persisted for approximately three hours, spanning from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on a Friday evening.
Village elder Margaret Nanyama and her assistant intervened, beseeching the crowd to refrain from setting the house ablaze and promptly notifying the authorities at Franks Police Station.
Responding swiftly, police officers broke into the house, apprehending the thief and defusing the volatile situation, though leaving behind a hostile mob thirsting for retribution.
Reflecting on the incident, Joseph Mbinji, the assistant village elder, expressed dismay at witnessing such perilous circumstances, emphasising the importance of earning possessions through honest labour to prevent such occurrences.
Following the conclusion of police investigations, the suspect is anticipated to face legal proceedings in court.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.