An angry resident killed a 21-year-old man in South Ngariama Ranching Scheme, Murinduko Ward, Mwea-East Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, for allegedly stealing miraa.
The victim, identified as Dennis Muriuki, had been accused of stealing muguka and miraa in the area, frustrating many local farmers.
While some residents had grown tired of the miraa thefts, others were shocked by the brutal way he was killed.
Joseph Murimi, a local resident, expressed disbelief over the incident.
Not worth dying for
“The death of this young man, whose father works as a shoemaker at Ikulungu Shopping Centre, has left many in shock. He was caught with only 200 grams of miraa twigs worth less than Ksh 200 before he was killed,” he said.
Many residents believe the increasing value of muguka, which sells for Ksh 800 per kilogram, has led to more thefts.
However, some argue that taking a life over such a small amount was unnecessary. “Denis Muriuki was killed for just 200 grams of muguka. I wish he had asked for a job instead of turning to theft,” lamented Mr. Njogu, another resident.
Kirinyaga County has seen a worrying rise in cases of mob justice. Just yesterday, residents of Diambo village in Ngurubani town lynched a 41-year-old man suspected of stealing chickens.
Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso confirmed the incident and described Dennis Muriuki as a known criminal.
“Police have taken the body to the mortuary. He had been arrested several times for theft in South Ngariama. But we urge residents to report crimes instead of resorting to mob justice,” Jarso stated.
Authorities continue to warn the public against taking the law into their own hands. They emphasize that reporting crimes to the police is the only way to ensure justice while preventing unnecessary violence in the community.
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