Detectives camp in Kisii village where five family members were killed

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have established a field base in Metembe village, Masimba Ward, Kisii County, following the brutal lynching of five family members on April 17, 2025. The slain family was accused by villagers of being involved in a prior murder, prompting a violent mob attack that left four people burnt to death and a fifth hacked as she tried to flee. The Star+2The Star+2
Investigators say the efforts to collect evidence have been hampered by resistance and lack of cooperation from local residents, who claim the assailants were hired outsiders rather than spontaneous vigilantes. The Star According to reports, six houses belonging to the family were torched during the attack, and even after the killings, some villagers returned to flatten the remains, declaring they did not want the family’s structures rebuilt. The Star+1 Authorities have called for autopsies of the five victims to ascertain how exactly they died and to guide the ongoing investigation. The Star
Local police commander Ronald Kirui condemned the lynching as criminal, emphasising that such acts amount to mob justice and undermine rule of law. The Star+1 Meanwhile, detectives have questioned village administrators for possible complicity, noting that even local leaders are reportedly fearful of further attacks. Kahawatungu
Looking ahead, the investigative team aims to build a concrete case by leveraging forensic evidence, witness interviews, and autopsy results. The field camp is expected to remain as long as necessary to ensure a thorough probe and to hold accountable not only those who carried out the killings but also anyone who may have instigated or coordinated them. Local authorities have urged the community to trust the justice system and hand over any suspects rather than resorting to violence. The Star+1