16 year old suspected cattle rustler lynched, two injured

A 16-year-old boy was lynched and his 18-year-old friend injured after they were accused of stealing cattle at Kampi ya Moto in Eldama Ravine.

A 41-year-old man who was said to have been buying the stolen livestock was also attacked and admitted to hospital in a critical condition.

Area chief Patrick Ndichu said one resident spotted the boys roaming around Kipsynan area at about 4am and raised the alarm. Neighbours rushed to the scene and started beating the young men.

They were pressed to explain what they were doing out at night and reportedly admitted to stealing livestock.

"A woman who saw them suspected that they were up to no good. The boys have for a long time been suspected of being cattle thieves," said Ndichu.

The boys are said to have named the man who regularly bought the livestock they stole.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Baringo County rolls out mental health policy
• 
  Baragoi town rises from ashes of banditry, deadly ethnic conflicts
• 
  MPs: Dons returned to work with no signed document
• 
  Farmers urged to adopt climate-smart agriculture

"Residents were angry when the suspects admitted that they had been stealing their livestock and selling it to a well-known businessman in the area," said the chief.

They went to the man's house, dragged him out, and started beating him up.

"The people were angry. They attacked the three with everything they could lay their hands on. Some even hit them on the head with stones. It is a miracle the two survived," said Mary Tanui.

Rongai OCPD Joseph Kioko said one of the victims had already died by the time officers arrived at the scene.

"A 16-year-old boy died and his 18-year-old friend was injured. We had a hard time stopping residents from attacking them," he said.