Thugs kill watchman, steal Sh1.5 million coffee

A night guard at Keera coffee processing factory in Marani, Kisii County was killed by people who also stole more than 70 bags of coffee beans on Saturday night.

Another guard sustained serious injuries as he escaped from the attackers.

According to Marani Police Commandant David Too, the thieves might have had information that the factory management had stocked their stores.

"We are investigating the matter and we expect to arrest the suspects. The guard was beaten after he attempted to repulse the suspects. He died on the spot," said Too.

The officer said the assailants accessed the main store and loaded the sacks of beans valued at Sh1.5 million that had been packed for transportation.

The factory’s chairman Peter Mayaka said the theft might have been planned by people who understood operations at the facility.

“We had management issues for a long time. The change of leadership did not go well with some people.” Geoffrey Ombui, a resident, said they saw two vehicles near the factory on Saturday evening but could not see the occupants.

Mr Ombui said the thieves took advantage of the heavy rains that night to break into the factory.

Two years ago, a guard was killed at the same factory. In 2016, another watchman at the nearby Gesieka coffee processing factory was brutally murdered.