Suspected cattle rustlers lynched in Kitengela

Four suspected rustlers were on Friday beaten to death by members of the public and their lorry burnt down as they allegedly tried to flee with stolen cattle in Kitengela, Kajiado County.

The suspects, according to the owner of the cattle Kunini ole Mwenda, went to his Manyata on Friday morning and drove off with 10 cows.

“After the suspects had driven off the cows, my dogs started barking and my sons went to check and found the cows missing. They immediately raised alarm and the rustlers were pursued,” said Mwenda.

The farmer said the theft occurred at his home in Korrompoi area of Kaputiei North Ward and the cows were driven towards the export processing zone in Athi River where the rustlers wanted to load them on the waiting lorry.

The rustlers, who are suspected to be resident from Narok were caught up by angry villagers who descended on them, beating them viciously. One managed to escape with injuries.

Eye witnesses said some of the villagers were armed with (licensed) guns.

Isinya OCPD Kinyua Mugambi confirmed the incident and said the four suspects were confirmed dead on arrival to Kitengela sub county hospital.

Kajiado County Commissioner Yatich Kipkemei said cattle rustling has become rampant in Kajiado with many farmers counting heavy losses.

Kipkemei said the rustlers are suspected to be from the neighbouring Narok County where they were believed to be heading with the stolen cattle.

Police are hunting for the suspect who fled, while bodies of the four were moved to City Mortuary.