Residents of Chemase in Nandi County stormed the local Chemase Police Post earlier today, demanding retribution for the murder of Enock, a beloved member of the community.
Tensions reached a boiling point when approximately 3,000 irate residents overpowered police officers and brutally killed a suspect in the murder case, Victor Kimtai, 30.
The chaos unfolded around 1:30 PM when the large crowd descended upon the police station, expressing their outrage over Kimtai’s arrest the previous night.
He was in custody, awaiting arraignment for the alleged murder of Enock, a situation that provoked anger among the locals seeking justice for their fallen hero.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd was relentless. They managed to breach the police station, damaging the building’s lower structure and setting ablaze a police vehicle, a Ford Ranger (GKB 127Y).
Amidst the turmoil, Kimtai was forcibly removed from police custody and subjected to a brutal attack.
After a torrent of violence, eyewitness accounts suggest that he was stoned to death and his lifeless body was set on fire, a tragic end meted out by a community fueled by grief and anger.
The scene was left in chaos, with an atmosphere of dread lingering as residents dispersed in various directions.
Authorities have now moved Kimtai’s remains to Nandi Hills morgue for further examination, while the police have vowed to investigate the incident.
The Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO) for Tinderet has taken charge of the case, promising updates as the situation develops.
The grim episode raises serious concerns about the rise of vigilantism and mob justice in Kenya, a recurring issue that bypasses the judicial process and poses significant threats to rule of law.
Community leaders are calling for calm and reminding residents of the importance of the legal system in ensuring justice prevails.
