Villagers burn shop belonging to suspected bhang peddler in Nyeri

Nyeri, Kenya - Irate residents of Mung'aria village in Tetu sub-county on Tuesday evening set ablaze a shop belonging to a suspected drug peddler.

The villagers took advantage of the four-day window issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta to raid the compound of the man, whom they claim has been dealing in bhang for ten years.

An eye witness said residents, who included women, youths and children stormed the homestead shortly after 4pm with intention of arresting the suspect, but found him missing.

"He ran away on realising the mob was after him. His wife was asked to produce the drugs. When she declined, they vented their anger on the stocked shop, setting it ablaze. They then turned to a sugarcane farm, destroying everything," said a resident who asked not to be named.

Tetu Deputy County Commissioner Herman Sharbi had a hard time trying to control the mob that also threatened to set ablaze the family's home.

"We residents have volunteered information on the man's activities but no action is taken. He has even been taken to court on several occasions but he somehow comes back to the community," said James Mwangi, a youth from the area.

 SHODDY JOB

He accused the local administration of abetting the illegal trade in the area. "We will not sit and watch as one person destroys the entire community," he vowed.

But Bernard Ndirangu, the local chief blamed the Kenyan court system and the police for doing a shoddy job during investigations.

"I have even testified against him on several occasions, but he always gets off the hook after paying fines," said Mr Ndirangu.

Mr Sharbi said the war against alcohol and drugs will not be stopped until all the drugs are wiped out from the community.

"What we have witnessed today is unfortunate since it is a case of people taking the law into their own hands. But it is also shows that the community is ready to rid of drugs and alcohol from its midst,' said Sharbi.