Family seeks justice for son who died after he was beaten up for shoplifting

A family in Bomet Central is demanding justice for its 23-year-old son who died after he was allegedly beaten by a supermarket’s attendants.

Benjamin Kirui, a boda boda rider, died at Bomet Health Centre where he was taken in critical condition after the alleged attack early last week.

Kirui was accused of stealing shoe polish worth Sh2,000 from the supermarket. He was caught and locked up in the store, where he was allegedly attacked by attendants and security guards.

The family has disputed claims by attendants that the victim was beaten by a mob outside the supermarket.

“He was not beaten by a mob but by the supermarket’s staff. We have information he was locked up in the store and beaten. We are calling on the police to get to the bottom of the matter so that we can get justice,” said Robert Rono, Kirui’s uncle.

Rono wants the police to review CCTV footage at the supermarket.

“We are not happy with the investigations so far. Even if our son was trying to steal, he did not deserve to die. Instead of beating him to death, they should have charged him in court,” he said.

Rono said they were also uncomfortable with the pace of investigations and accused the police of attempting to cover up the incident.

“The suspects are roaming streets freely. The police are yet to do anything to show us they are serious with the investigations,” he said.

Bomet police commandant Naomi Ichami said investigations into the incident were progressing well.

The management of the supermarket has, however, distanced itself from the incident, saying the victim was attacked as he tried to flee and that all they did was rescue him.

However, the management of the supermarket was forced to close it on Saturday after angry residents threatened to storm it.

The residents accused its management of lying that the Kirui was attacked by a mob. They said they would not allow it to operate until investigation was concluded.

“You cannot hide behind falsehoods. They must tell us who killed Kirui . If he stole anything, he should have been arrested,” said Tyson Saitoti, a resident.