Kericho mob kills two robbery with violence suspects

Two robbery with violence suspects were lynched in Kericho town as a third suspect was arrested by the police.

Kericho County Police Commander James Mugera said the two killed suspects were armed with a homemade pistol.

They were cornered by a mob after an unsuccessful attempt to rob an autospares shop within the Kericho CBD.

The pistol with one bullet and spent cartridge of the same caliber was recovered from the suspects during the Sunday afternoon incident.

The third suspect, Joel Nyongesa, is in police custody.

He was the driver of the getaway vehicle.

Kericho Autospares owner Jay Gudka said the deceased posed as customers and entered the shop and tried to steal money.

“Their attention was disrupted by other unsuspecting customers who entered the shop and they attempted to flee. The suspects were pursued by the employees who gave a chase and cornered them before they could board their getaway car,” he said.

Mugera said on sensing they had been cornered, the suspects fired in the air to scare the public.

“They attempted to flee on foot but were subjected to mob justice near the Huduma Centre,” he said.

The bodies were taken to Kericho District Hospital mortuary to await post-mortem and identification.

“The suspect in police custody will be taken to court once we complete investigations,” Mugera said.