Written By Lisa Murimi
A terrifying wave of violence has swept through the small village of Mutoho, as a gang wielding pangas has launched a series of brutal attacks on unsuspecting residents, leaving several injured and the community in fear.
The attacks occurred late in the evening, around 9:30 or 10 pm, according to multiple victims.
One victim, Esborn Ndung’u, still visibly shaken, recounted his harrowing experience.
“I was going home and I met a gang. They attacked me and I had nothing to do because they were many. Some started ransacking my pockets while others held my hands and legs, others used their panga to assault me. They left when I fainted. They stole a phone that didn’t belong to me and Ksh300,” he disclosed.
Another victim, Harun Njuguna, said he woke up in a hospital bed after being ambushed and maimed by the men who struck late at night demanding money.
“They ambushed me and they said they wanted money. I told them I didn’t have any. They started assaulting me and that is how I woke up at the hospital. They chopped my head and my hands. I know two of them,” Njuguna said.
The sheer brutality of the attacks has left villagers in shock and anger. One resident, Julius Mwaura, issued a stern warning to the community.
“My plea as a resident of Mutoho goes to boda boda riders, if you know someone is carrying something that he has not worked for, like farm produce, when we find out, we will set all of you on fire.”
Another resident claimed the perpetrators are known and some houses belonging to the suspects have been torched in two villages.
“We know them and they are people who idle around chewing miraa and drinking alcohol. We decided to unite against them and work with the police to ensure peace. Six houses have been torched, three in Riatu and three in Mutoho,” the resident narrated.
Local police are investigating the attacks and urge anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, residents are taking extra precautions, organizing community watch groups to patrol the village at night.
