NYAMIRA: Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal mob justice killing of Calvin Makori, a 40-year-old man who was stoned and later thrown into a fire in Matongo village, Nyamira County, on July 26.
Police said the arrests were made on Tuesday, following the circulation of a disturbing video that captured the incident.
The footage, which went viral online, showed Makori being dragged and pushed into a blazing fire, prompting widespread public outrage and calls for justice.
According to investigators, the two suspects—aged 50 and 47—were positively identified from the video and arrested based on intelligence reports.
Authorities confirmed they are pursuing additional suspects believed to have participated in the lynching.
Makori had reportedly been accused by residents of being a habitual thief and of involvement in multiple burglary incidents in the area.
However, police have strongly condemned the mob’s actions, emphasizing that vigilante justice is illegal and criminal.
“Mob lynching is a serious offense. Suspects, no matter the allegations, must be handed over to authorities for lawful action,” police said in a statement.
Incidents of mob justice have become increasingly common in parts of the Gusii region, where informal vigilante groups often take the law into their own hands.
Authorities acknowledge that, in some areas, such actions occur with little resistance from local police.
Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their warning against mob killings, noting a disturbing rise in such cases across the country. Investigations into the Matongo incident are ongoing, with more arrests expected.