Man escapes death after being set on fire by fellow villagers

A 30-year-old man is nursing serious burn wounds after being torched with petrol by villagers.

The villagers of Mwiru in Tharaka Nithi County descended on the man after he was accused of stealing two chicken in the neighborhood.

Tharaka-Nithi County Commander Johnstone Ipara said the suspect, identified as John Mugendi, managed to crawl back to his house before the police were called.

Upon arrival at the scene, the police officers rushed him to Chuka General Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition.

Ipara, however, asked the chiefs and their assistants to sensitize the members of the public on the importance of arresting suspects and not killing them.

He noted that once suspects are arrested, they help police with more information and help reduce crime in their areas.

“When the suspects are arrested, they give us important information concerning other criminals,” he said.