A man has been lynched by an angry mob in Tayari location in Molo sub-county, in an incident that has once again raised concern over mob justice
According to eyewitnesses, the deceased was caught red-handed stealing chicken from the home of an elderly woman, who reportedly raised an alarm, alerting the neighbours.
The incident happened on Monday, January 12, 2026, when area residents quickly responded and cornered him before he could escape.
At the time, the residents explained that the man was linked to several previous criminal incidents in the area, while revealing that the repeated act fueled the anger of the villagers.
Speaking to K24 Digital, the area residents, led by Ruth Wambui Maina and John Kinyajui Mwangi, decried increased cases of criminal activities in the area, calling for enhanced police patrols.
Confirming the incident, the area chief, Hassan Waweru, said the person of interest succumbed to injuries inflicted by the angry mob before law enforcement officers could intervene.
The chief strongly condemned the act, urging members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“While criminal activities have gone up, mob justice is illegal and only worsens the situation. Such suspects should be handed over to the authority for proper investigation and prosecution,” the chief stated.
Police officers from the Molo police station later arrived at the scene and took the body to the Molo level 4 hospital mortuary pending postmortem examination.
Police issues alert on phone snatchers
Meanwhile, police officers in Eldoret have issued an alert on a new trend of phone snatchers targeting members of the public.
After decisively tackling thugs and cartels who have been forcefully snatching phones and other valuables from residents.
Speaking to members of the press on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Eldoret Police Commander Benjamin Mwathi revealed the latest tactics used by thugs in Eldoret town.
According to the Police boss, the latest tactic involves criminals asking to borrow phones under the pretence of making a call, only to disappear with the device.
Residents have been cautioned to remain vigilant and avoid handing over their phones to strangers.
Mwathi also warned against pickpocketing, assuring the public that offenders will be dealt with firmly. Speaking on the arrests of three suspects implicated in the killing of a pharmacist at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Mwathi said,
“We urge residents to cooperate with the police during any incidents. Our officers will act swiftly and ensure that anyone involved in criminal activities is brought to justice,” Mwathi said.
At the time, Commander Mwathi urged residents to cooperate with police during any incidents, emphasising that law enforcement would act swiftly to protect the community.
In a separate incident, a police officer was badly harmed in Ngara while confronting a middle-aged man who was accused of snatching a phone near Ngara bus station in Nairobi.
