Police in Machakos and Kiambu counties are investigating the deaths of two men in separate incidents involving suspected assaults. A 47-year-old man was found dead in a village in Kathiani with an apparent head injury, while another man died at home after allegedly being assaulted over accusations that he had stolen chickens.
Highlights
- A 47-year-old man was found dead in Kyambioni village, Kathiani.
- Police noted an apparent injury on the deceased’s forehead.
- A 41-year-old Kiambu man allegedly died after being assaulted over three chickens.
- Three people have been arrested in connection with the Kiambu death.
- Police have warned residents against mob justice and urged them to hand suspects over to authorities.
Main Story
Police Probe Death of 47-Year-Old in Kathiani
Detectives in Machakos County are investigating the death of 47-year-old Kioko Kinyiingi, whose body was discovered in Kyambioni village, Kathiani Sub-County.
Police were alerted after Kinyiingi’s brother received information that he had been found dead.
According to preliminary investigations, the brother had last seen Kinyiingi at Kathiani Market on Monday, where he was reportedly loitering.
At around 8pm, the brother was informed that Kinyiingi had been found dead in Kyambioni village.
Officers who visited the scene found his body lying on the ground. They also observed an apparent injury on the left side of his forehead, with blood coming from the wound. Blood was also visible around his nose and mouth.
Scenes-of-crime officers photographed and documented the area before the body was taken to Kathiani Level 4 Hospital mortuary.
The body remains preserved at the facility as investigators await a post-mortem examination, which is expected to help establish the exact cause of death.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possibility that Kinyiingi may have been attacked at the market.
The motive behind the suspected killing remains unclear.
Kiambu Man Dies After Alleged Chicken Theft Assault
In a separate incident in Kiambu County, 41-year-old Paul Mutua died after allegedly being assaulted by workers at a neighbouring homestead.
Police said Mutua had reportedly been found at the homestead in the Muru Road area of Kihara Location, Kiambaa Sub-County, on Monday.
The workers allegedly accused him of stealing three chickens before apprehending him.
According to police, Mutua’s hands and legs were tied and he was allegedly beaten.
His brother and another man who reportedly witnessed the incident later took him back to his house.
Mutua was placed on his bed but later died from injuries sustained during the alleged assault.
When officers visited the home, they found his body lying on the bed in a supine position. Police reported that he had multiple injuries on different parts of his body.
Crime scene officers processed and documented the scene before the body was taken to SDA Church Mortuary, where it was preserved awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Three Suspects Arrested
Police have arrested two suspects and a 21-year-old Ugandan national as investigations continue into Mutua’s death.
Detectives are expected to establish what happened at the homestead and determine the individual responsibility of those suspected to have taken part in the alleged assault.
The arrests are part of ongoing investigations, and the suspects will face the appropriate legal process based on the evidence gathered.
Police Warn Against Mob Justice
The two incidents have once again highlighted concerns around individuals taking the law into their own hands when they suspect someone of committing an offence.
Police have warned that mob justice is itself a criminal act and urged members of the public to report suspected offenders to authorities instead of assaulting or punishing them.
Authorities say suspects should be handed over to police for investigations and, where evidence supports it, prosecution through the courts.
As investigations into both deaths continue, post-mortem examinations are expected to provide further information on the causes of death.
When accusations turn into violence, a suspected offence can quickly become another tragedy which is why justice belongs in the hands of the law, not the mob.
