A prominent businessman and his son are receiving medical treatment at JM Kariuki Hospital in Olkalou Town, Nyandarua County, after being attacked by an angry mob at Tumaini Centre over accusations of livestock theft.
Residents reported that suspects had been targeting vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and widows, for stealing livestock. One resident explained that they managed to intercept a vehicle suspected of transporting stolen animals while it was parked in Tumaini Market, waiting to be loaded with three stolen cows. An enraged mob, acting on this information, set the vehicle on fire.
According to reports, when the alleged owner attempted to intervene, the mob turned on them, subjecting both to a severe beating. Police later intervened to rescue the pair, discovering they were a father and son. This incident occurs amid a rise in livestock thefts across Nyandarua County.
In one recent case, unidentified intruders raided a home in Huho-ini Village, stealing and slaughtering two dairy cows. In another incident, thieves targeted the home of Thumbi Karuma in Leshau Pondo and Kiriita Wards in Ndaragwa Constituency, slaughtering a dairy cow and a heifer.
Nyandarua County Police Commander Stellah Cherono confirmed the incident happened around 3:00 AM, where three suspects were arrested after being subjected to mob justice by members of the public. Cherono confirmed that the burned vehicle was used by suspects to transport stolen animals and was towed to Olkalou Police Station as investigations continue.
She urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and emphasized the importance of handing suspects over to law enforcement for proper legal processes. Additionally, Cherono advised the public to be patient and cooperate with police in combating such crimes.