Angry mob kills two suspected robbers in Rangwe

Two suspected criminals were killed by an angry mob following the rampant muggings and theft of household properties in Kajulu sub location in Rangwe constituency.

The two men were lynched after being linked to theft and burglary in Sinema and Asumbi market centres.

The suspects, Victor Odhiambo and Peter Ouko, are accused of being part of a gang suspected to be robbing women and traders of their valuables in the markets.

Odhiambo was cornered at Nyawawa market where he was hiding and brought him to Kajulu before the mob stoned and beat him to death.

The mob was armed with crude weapons including stones and clubs.

Later the mob went to Ouko’s home in WiKoteng sub-location where they killed him before they burnt his house.

By the time police arrive arrived at the scene, the two suspects were already dead.

The killing of the two people came after many residents especially women and traders complained of rampant stealing of their goods.

Kajulu senior assistant chief Alloys Otieno said that the residents suspect that the deceased are among the people who raided the home of clergy and stole household items on Sunday before defiling a 17-year-old girl.

“The gangs mostly operate in the evening when business are being closed. Some break into business premises while others block traders on their way home from the market and steal from them,” Otieno said.  

Speaking to journalists on Friday, the administrator said he has a record where a businessman reported that some people broke into his home on Wednesday night and took away Sh500,000.

The suspects are said to be stealing household items like utensils, electronics clothes and money.

On Thursday, a resident is said to have found Odhiambo wearing a stolen coat before mobilizing villagers to kill him.

The mob also went and torched four houses of people they suspect are criminals.

“The suspect was brought from the hiding place before he was killed. Odhiambo mentioned Ouko as his accomplice before the mob went and killed him,” he added.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.

County Police Commander Samson Kinne said they are looking for criminals that are terrorizing residents.

The officer asked residents to avoid taking laws into their own hands.

“We want residents to report suspects to us for arrest and investigations. Like now we don’t know where the associates of the deceased suspects escaped,” Kinne said.