Two suspected armed robbers were lynched by an angry mob in Kondele, Kisumu County, following a botched daylight robbery that ended in violence. The Monday afternoon incident involved a five-member gang that had targeted a local resident, but their attempt was abruptly halted by a swift and aggressive response from the public.
According to reports, the gang had just committed the attempted robbery when members of the public cornered them. Two of the suspects were caught and beaten to death on the spot, while the remaining three managed to flee the scene. Law enforcement agencies have since launched a manhunt to track down the escapees.
Police recovered several stolen items at the scene, including a 55-inch black LG television and other valuables believed to have been stolen during the attack. The bodies of the two deceased suspects were transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue, as investigations into the incident continue.
The local police leadership has condemned the mob justice, emphasizing the negative impact such actions have on the justice system and law enforcement operations. Authorities have cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that such conduct not only undermines police work but also poses the risk of punishing innocent individuals.
The incident has reignited public discourse on rising insecurity in Kisumu, especially in densely populated areas like Kondele. The trend of mob justice, often seen as a desperate response to growing crime, has drawn criticism from both human rights advocates and law enforcement, who argue it denies suspects their right to a fair trial and hinders efforts to dismantle broader criminal operations.
Police have called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any information that may lead to the arrest of the three fugitives. Authorities reiterated their commitment to tackling crime through legal procedures and encouraged residents to channel their frustrations through lawful and constructive means.
As the manhunt intensifies, residents are being reminded of the importance of community-police collaboration in fostering safer neighbourhoods and ensuring justice is served through proper channels.
