Mob stones murder suspect to death, sets car on fire at Chemase Police Post in Nandi

A mob stones and lynches a murder suspect at Nandi's Chemase Police Post. [Standard, File]

A murder suspect was on Thursday, January 2, stoned to death before being lynched by an irate mob while in custody at Chemase Police Post in Nandi.

Victor Kimtai,30, was arrested by police following reports from his family, who claimed he had threatened them, stating he would kill them in the same manner as he had beheaded a victim.

Area MCA Douglas Martin acted promptly, leading to Kimtai's arrest and detention at the police post.

As news of Kimtai’s detention spread, a crowd of approximately 3,000 people gathered, demanding his release.

Despite police efforts to contain the situation, the mob overpowered them, storming the station and causing extensive damage.

According to a police report, the crowd also set fire to a Ford Ranger vehicle, registration number GK B127Y, and vandalised police property, including radio sets, printers and administrative files. Three officers sustained injuries during the chaos.

National Police Service Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango condemned the incident, calling on the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

"The destruction of police property hampers our ability to serve the public effectively," Onyango said, urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement to maintain security within the community.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities appealing for calm and community engagement to prevent further violence.