Police in Kisii South Sub-County are investigating an incident in which a man suspected of stealing livestock was killed by a mob in Mwa Village, Bogitaa Sub-Location, Riana Location, Kisii County.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 10, 2026, following the reported theft of a cow belonging to a local resident, Evans Ntabo.
According to a police incident report, Ntabo discovered that his cow was missing at around 2:05 a.m. and immediately raised an alarm, prompting residents to wake up and join the search for the animal.
The search led to the discovery of a man who was reportedly found in the company of a Toyota Probox, registration number KCV 730R, which was suspected to have been used in the theft.
The circumstances surrounding the suspect's presence in the vehicle were not immediately established, and police are expected to investigate the events leading to his death.
The assistant chief reportedly alerted the area chief, who subsequently informed the police about the incident.
However, efforts by the assistant chief to rescue the suspect were unsuccessful, as the agitated mob later killed him.
In a further escalation of the incident, the Probox was set ablaze by unknown individuals.
The vehicle was reduced to a burnt wreck, adding another element to the investigation into the suspected livestock theft and the subsequent mob violence.
Police officers from Kerina Police Station later visited the scene and collected the body, which was taken to the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) mortuary for preservation as investigations continued.
The incident was recorded at Kerina Police Station under Occurrence Book number 04/10/10/2026.
Meanwhile, the search for Ntabo's missing cow is ongoing.
The animal is described as black in colour and had a young calf that was still dependent on its mother.
Police are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, the killing of the suspect and the burning of the vehicle, as well as identify those who may have been involved in the destruction of the car.
The incident once again highlights the dangers of mob justice, in which suspects are subjected to violence instead of being handed over to law enforcement officers to face investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the killing or the burning of the vehicle.
The stolen cow had also not been recovered at the time the incident was reported.
Residents are expected to cooperate with investigators by providing any information that could help trace the missing animal and establish what transpired in Mwa Village.
