A grim incident unfolded in Nandi County when an enraged mob stormed Chemase Police Post, forcibly removed a murder suspect from custody, and stoned him to death before setting his body ablaze.
The unrest erupted after the suspect, detained for the murder of 38-year-old Enock Kipsang, confessed to the crime, even leading authorities to locations where body parts, including the victim’s head, were hidden. The shocking murder, revealed after the suspect allegedly threatened to harm his own mother, had already ignited tensions in the community.
More than 3,000 residents gathered at the station, demanding the suspect’s release. When police refused, the crowd turned violent, setting a police vehicle and the station itself on fire. Officers were overwhelmed, with some injured during the chaos. In addition to the destruction, the mob vandalized the premises and looted equipment, including a VHF radio and official files.
The suspect’s remains, along with Kipsang’s, were transferred to a local mortuary as authorities continue their investigations.
The National Police Service (NPS) strongly condemned the mob justice, emphasizing that such actions obstruct law enforcement and undermine justice. NPS spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango urged the public to respect legal processes and avoid taking the law into their own hands, warning that mob lynching is a criminal offense.
The vandalism at Chemase Police Post highlights growing concerns over the rise in mob lynching incidents and their impact on community safety. Efforts to apprehend those responsible for the destruction and theft during the attack are ongoing.
