Two men were arrested on Saturday after allegedly robbing a barmaid of KSh 7,000. The incident, which occurred in Yatta Subcounty, has stirred public concern over rising cases of crime in the region.
The Incident
The suspects, aged between 26 and 30 years, are said to be residents of Masii and Katangi areas in Mwala and Yatta subcounties, respectively. According to police reports, the duo impersonated Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in a bid to deceive their victim before carrying out the robbery.
The suspects reportedly entered the bar disguised as regular customers. They initially ordered alcohol, creating an air of normalcy. However, their intentions quickly turned sinister when one of the men forced his way behind the counter, brandishing a sharp knife. He then threatened the barmaid with harm, compelling her to surrender KSh 7,000 in cash.
Following the robbery, the terrified barmaid raised an alarm, drawing the attention of nearby residents. It is reported that the robbers attempted to flee the scene but were pursued by an irate crowd. The pursuit culminated at Kinyaata Market, located along the Kithimani-Katangi road, where the two suspects were cornered.
Mob Justice
The suspects were subjected to mob justice by the crowd, which was incensed by the audacity of the crime. Witnesses at the scene recounted how the suspects were armed with swords and knives, which they had been using to intimidate their victims before they were caught. The mob administered a thorough beating to the two men, leaving them seriously injured.
As the situation escalated, officers from Matuu Police Station were alerted and rushed to the scene. The police intervened just in time to rescue the suspects from the mob, which was baying for their blood. The injured men were subsequently taken into police custody at Matuu Police Station, where they are currently being held.
Police Investigation
Yatta Subcounty police have launched an investigation into the incident. DCI detectives attached to Matuu Police Station are leading the probe, focusing on gathering evidence and verifying the suspects’ claims of impersonating KDF soldiers.
“We are currently interrogating the two suspects who are in lawful custody at Matuu Police Station,” a police source confirmed. The officers are working to establish whether the suspects have any prior criminal records and if they were involved in other similar incidents in the area.
The police also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. While the swift action by the community members in apprehending the suspects is commendable, law enforcement emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to take its course, rather than resorting to mob justice.
Growing Concerns in Machakos County
This incident has brought to light growing concerns over security in Machakos County, particularly in the Mwala and Yatta subcounties. Residents have expressed fears over the increasing crime rates, with some calling for enhanced police patrols and stricter measures to curb the menace.
The local administration has promised to intensify efforts to ensure the safety of residents. There have also been calls for the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing information that could help prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The arrest of the two suspects in Machakos County serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining security in the region. As investigations continue, the community and authorities must work together to address the root causes of crime and foster a safer environment for all residents. The case also underscores the need for a balanced approach to justice, where the rule of law prevails over mob actions.
