Mob Justice in Kisii: Five Family Members Lynched in Masimba Ward Over Alleged Murder Link
Detectives in Kisii County have launched a full-scale investigation following a shocking incident in Metembe village, Masimba Ward, where five members of the same family were brutally killed by an angry mob over suspicions of involvement in an earlier murder.
According to Kisii County police commander Ronald Kirui, the attack took place on Thursday night, with four of the victims burned alive and a fifth slashed to death while attempting to flee. In addition to the killings, the mob torched six houses belonging to the victims.
“Mob lynching is criminal. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has deployed a team to pursue the attackers,” said Commander Kirui.
Background of the Attack
The brutal attack was reportedly triggered by allegations linking the family to the murder of a middle-aged man whose body was found about a month ago. The victims include the father and mother of the family. Two other relatives narrowly escaped the violence.
Police say the situation escalated after residents accused the family of being behind the killing, even though formal investigations had not been concluded.
Bodies of the deceased were taken to the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, where postmortems will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigations Underway
Police arrived at the scene on Friday morning and confirmed that detectives are not only investigating the recent lynching but also probing the earlier murder that allegedly sparked the violence.
Kirui emphasized that justice will be served and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
“Suspects must be handed over to the authorities. We will not tolerate mob justice, and anyone found culpable will face legal action,” he stated.
History of Mob Lynching in Kisii
Mob justice is a recurring problem in Kisii, often fueled by mistrust in the legal system and fears of criminal gangs operating in the region. In recent years, several incidents of this nature have prompted local and national authorities to launch sensitization campaigns and increase police patrols.
Witnesses reported that several individuals believed to be part of the mob have since fled the village following the arrival of investigators. Police believe some victims may have been falsely accused and killed in the chaos.
The Call for Calm and Rule of Law
Authorities are urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators. Police say they are committed to identifying all those involved in the attack and ensuring they are brought to justice.
The gruesome killings have sent shockwaves across the county and renewed calls for urgent interventions to address rising insecurity and the persistence of mob lynching as a form of justice.
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Mob Justice in Kisii: Five Family Members Lynched in Masimba Ward Over Alleged Murder Link