Suspected Motorcycle Thief Lynched in Eldoret as Police Crack Down on Theft Syndicate
The body of the deceased was later moved by police to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary as investigations begin into the violent episode.
Crime Scene / Image Provided Courtesy
A suspected motorcycle thief was burned to death in Eldoret early Sunday morning, after an alleged attempt to steal a motorcycle in the Block Ten area escalated into violence. The incident occurred when enraged boda boda operators reportedly chased down the suspect, cornering him outside Paradise area. Witnesses say the crowd beat the man before setting him on fire in the pre-dawn hours.
The body of the deceased was later moved by police to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary as investigations begin into the violent episode.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the incident and expressed concern over rising cases of mob justice. “While we understand the frustrations caused by the spike in motorcycle thefts, taking the law into one’s hands only perpetuates more violence,” Mwanthi stated. He emphasized that the police are committed to addressing motorcycle theft through lawful means and called on the community to report criminal activities rather than resort to extrajudicial actions.
For the past few months, police officers in Eldoret have been actively dismantling a motorcycle theft syndicate that spans several counties, successfully recovering thousands of stolen motorcycles and dismantled parts. Mwanthi stressed that the ongoing crackdown aims to disrupt the criminal network fueling the demand for stolen motorcycle parts.
“We urge residents to purchase motorcycle parts only from certified, genuine dealers,” Mwanthi advised, noting that this step could significantly reduce the market for stolen parts. He added, “Our operations will continue until we root out this syndicate and restore safety to motorcycle owners in the region.”
The wave of motorcycle thefts has put pressure on local authorities to increase security measures for boda boda operators, who have become frequent targets of theft and violence.
About Author
