Suspected Phone Snatcher Fatally Burned by Mob in Eldoret: Police Urge Public to Avoid Vigilante Justice
“The suspect tried to flee, but members of the public were quick to apprehend him after the young woman screamed for help
Uasin Gishu County Commander Benjamin Mwanthi.
A middle-aged man was fatally burned on Monday morning near Kipkaren Bridge in in Huruma Ward, Uasin Gishu County, following an attempted robbery involving a young woman. According to reports, the man allegedly tried to snatch a mobile phone from the woman, who immediately raised an alarm, drawing the attention of nearby passersby. The bystanders confronted the suspect, who was subsequently subdued and set ablaze before police could arrive at the scene.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the incident, identifying the man as a suspected robber who sustained life-threatening burn injuries. “The suspect tried to flee, but members of the public were quick to apprehend him after the young woman screamed for help. Unfortunately, the crowd took matters into their own hands, which led to this tragic outcome,” Mwanthi told HubzMedia reporters.
Mwanthi reported that officers responded quickly after receiving the alert, but despite their prompt intervention, the man succumbed to his injuries while en route to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. “We strongly discourage acts of mob justice,” Mwanthi emphasized. “Taking the law into one’s own hands only creates more harm and places innocent lives at risk. We urge the public to call law enforcement and let the legal system handle such incidents.”
The police commander expressed concern about the prevalence of mob justice, which he noted has often resulted in unnecessary fatalities. He reminded the community that law enforcement authorities are prepared to respond to crime reports swiftly. “This incident is a stark reminder that justice should be left to the authorities. We are committed to protecting everyone’s safety and will continue to work toward reducing crime in Uasin Gishu County.”
As police continue investigating the incident, Mwanthi urged witnesses or anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in a thorough inquiry. Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of restraint and cooperation with law enforcement to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
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