A middle-aged man was beaten to death by enraged residents in Mburi village, Njukiini, Gichugu, Kirinyaga County after being accused of killing a watchman.

The man was suspected of killing the watchman at Mburi Christian Primary School and hiding the body in a classroom.

According to Njukiini MCA Timothy Kariuki, the suspect revealed the identities of his accomplices before the mob lynched him. Kariuki stated, "I could not help him as the villagers were angry. I tried to help him in vain in the 11 pm incident."

PHOTO | COURTESY police line

The suspect allegedly killed the night watchman on Saturday, with the body discovered by children on Monday morning. The watchman, aged 74, was found in a classroom, disrupting school activities.

Residents voiced their frustration with the criminal activities in the area. Peter Kinyua commented, "These criminals are undressing men and running away with their trousers at night to look for money in their pockets. They are harassing us."

PHOTO | COURTESY police line

Residents, including Joseph Wanjohi, expressed their loss of faith in the legal system, stating, "We have taken the law into our hands because when criminals are arrested, they are released by the courts."

The suspect's body was transported to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary. Gichugu Sub-County Police Commander Johnson Wachira confirmed the incident and urged the public not to take the law into their own hands. Residents call security agencies to address the rising criminal activity in Mburi and surrounding villages.