Boda boda riders charged with killing man in mob justice

Two boda boda riders have been charged with killing a man suspected to be behind a spate of crime.

A public inquest probing the death of the victim linked them to the attack.

Benson Wasike and Bonface Sifuna were charged with lynching Lazarus Wanjala, 45, on November 3, 2018 at Sidikho Village, Navakholo Sub-County.

The two, according to court papers, were alleged to have picked the deceased and linked him with criminal activities, beat him jointly with others not before court.

Prior to his death, the deceased is said to have separated with his wife over domestic wrangles.

Wanjala warned that he would set the woman's parents' house ablaze if she did not return.

He made true his threats and burned the house in October 2018, killing livestock by stabbing them at night.

The actions are said to have infuriated the residents, making them mount a manhunt for him to revenge.

Wasike, 41, and Sifuna, 26, are said to have accosted the deceased in Dorofu village, Bungoma.

They ferried him to Navakholo where they allegedly assaulted him with crude weapons.

The area assistant chief notified officers from the Navakholo Police Station, who found the body burned.

Initially, it was reported to be a mob justice but a public inquest was instituted to probe the murder.

Meanwhile, the body was taken to Kakamega County General Hospital for autopsy.

The inquest pointed an accusing finger at the two, who were said to have been the last people seen with Wanjala.

The body had severe burns.

The two were arrested eight months after the incident, where they were subjected to a psychiatric test to ascertain whether they were fit to stand trial.

Wasike and Sifuna denied the murder charge before High Court judge Jesse Njagi.

They were granted Sh500,000 bond with a surety of similar amount each.

Their case will be heard on November 21.