In Taita Taveta you just cant knock down a boda boda operator and go scot-free

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Violent members of the public on Sunday burnt a lorry in revenge following an accident that killed a boda boda operator in Taveta town, Taita-Taveta County.

The motorbike rider died on the spot after he was hit by the lorry near Taveta primary school along the Voi-Taveta road, an incident that sparked public outcry among villagers forcing them to retaliate.

Police said the lorry was transporting building stones from Taveta to Wundanyi at the 8 am accident. Angry villagers temporarily blocked the busy road causing traffic jam. They blamed the lorry driver for allegedly being responsible for the death of the rider.

Taveta OCPD Paul Kisang confirmed the accident and said irate villagers descended on the lorry immediately the accident occurred and doused it with petrol before setting it on fire.

The police officer said the lorry crew had to run for their lives to the police station to escape the wrath of the villagers who were baying for their blood.

Mr. Kisang said by the time police arrived at the scene of the accident the villagers had already set the truck on fire.

"We had a difficult time trying to collect the body of the deceased as incensed villagers tried to prevent the police," he said.

The police officer warned the local community against taking the law into their own hands saying they should instead hand over criminals to the law enforcement officers for action.

"By taking the law into their hands residents ended up destroying property or interfering with evidence. Let the law take its course and if aggrieved should avoid taking revenge," Kisang warned.

The police boss said they had crucial leads that could help them arrest a number of suspects in connection with the fire incident that caused damage of unknown value.

Mr. Kisang said the body of the deceased was removed and taken to Taveta district hospital mortuary for post mortem examination