19-year-old phone theft suspect killed in Ruai mafia justice system

Police officials have reported that a man who allegedly stole a phone from an unknown person in Umoja One area was lynched by a mob on Sunday.

The 19-year-old suspect, identified as James Macharia, tried to flee on a motorcycle, but about 50 riders chased him.

Macharia and his rider traveled from Kayole to Ruai.

Police said when they reached the Ruai underpass, they were intercepted by the boda boda riders and the public who subjected the duo to mob justice.

Macharia was killed on the spot while the driver took cover in a nearby culvert, police said. The motorcycle burned out completely.

According to police, the rider was taken from his hiding place and severely beaten. He was rescued by responding police officers.

He sustained serious injuries all over his body and was taken to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital for treatment while the deceased was taken to the city mortuary where he awaited an autopsy.

In Embu County, two boda boda riders were taken to court at Gakwegori market by an angry crowd on suspicion of stealing a motorcycle from the Mutunduri area.

Police officers quickly responded to the scene, rescued the two suspects and took them to Embu Level V Hospital for medical treatment.

Two motorcycles, believed to have been used to transport the stolen motorcycle, were recovered from the scene.