Mob kills two suspects as wave of crime hits Kisumu

Two suspected robbers were lynched by a mob in Kisumu County on Monday following a string of violent burglaries that have raised public concern over the region's worsening security situation.

The incident took place in Carwash estate of Kisumu Central sub-county, where a five-member gang believed to have been behind several break-ins was cornered by residents. The suspects had reportedly raided multiple homes between 4am. and 5am., stealing valuables and threatening residents with violence.

Kisumu Central Deputy Sub-County Police Commander Juma Mwanauli confirmed that the group had broken into a rented house belonging to Dancan Onyiego. Although Onyiego was away at the time, his friend, Benedict Wafula Kimwei, who was staying overnight, was confronted by the intruders.

According to police reports, the gang-armed with crude weapons-roused Kimwei from sleep, threatened him, and warned him against resisting. They then proceeded to ransack the home, making away with a 55-inch LG television set, two Co-operative Bank ATM cards, a Samsung A56 mobile phone, and a pair of sports shoes.

Shortly after, the gang encountered another victim, Emmanuel Owino, who had returned from a night out and was asleep in his car-a white Toyota Vitz (registration KDN 449C)-after failing to access his home. The suspects reportedly robbed him of his mobile phone, ATM cards, and a 6,000-watt sound system.

The gang is then believed to have broken into a third residence, stealing another 55-inch television set (Vitron brand), a claw bar, a cross cutter, clothing items including a green jacket, and other household valuables.

As the robbers fled the scene, residents-alerted by screams and commotion-raised the alarm. Officers from Lolwe Police Post responded swiftly and joined in the pursuit. The chase led them to the Car Wash area, roughly three kilometres northeast of Kondele Police Station.

The suspects were apprehended by the public. Before police could intervene, the mob meted out instant justice, killing both suspects on the spot. Their identities had not been confirmed at the time of going to press.

Police recovered a significant haul of suspected stolen items at the scene.

Deputy Sub-County Police Commander Mwanauli said investigations were ongoing and confirmed that three members of the gang managed to escape.

"This was a five-man gang. Unfortunately, two of them were cornered by the public and lynched before our officers could get there. We are pursuing the remaining suspects," he said.