Mob kills two policemen accused of attempted robbery in Tharaka Nithi

Tuesday, 2nd May 2023

Two people believed to be police officers were killed by a mob in Tharaka Nithi on Saturday, April 29, on suspicion of trying to steal from an M-Pesa shop.

A report by Citizen TV which cited the Deputy County Commissioner Julius Arap Too noted that the two officers had gone to the shop to arrest the operator when a disturbance started.

The M-Pesa attendant reportedly raised the alarm, claiming that the officers were thieves, prompting a mob to descend on the officers and beat them mercilessly.

The M-Pesa attendant is also said to have been injured during the Saturday evening incident and is currently being treated at Mater Hospital.

“I can confirm that two people, reportedly police officers attached to Kathwana police station, have been killed by a mob at Kanthanje market. We are yet to confirm their identity. I have personally taken an injured civilian to St Orsola Hospital, Materi,” Arap Too said.

Investigations into the incident have commenced.

Igambang’ombe Sub-County Police Commander Charles Muchiri said they were unable to immediately establish what transpired before the two people died at the scene, following the attack.

Nation.Africa reports an eye witness to say the two police officers arrived on a motorcycle, entered the shop and then engaged in a confrontation with the shop attendant,Murithi Njeru.

Njeru shouted for help, saying he was being attacked by thieves, prompting the mob to rush there and take action. “The deceased, who were later identified by some locals as police officers, were not in uniform and only had handcuffs,” the witness said.