A 21-year-old man, identified as Dennis Muriuki, was lynched by a mob in South Ngariama Ranching Scheme, Murinduko Ward, Mwea-East Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, after being accused of stealing miraa (muguka). The incident has sparked outrage and distress among local residents, with some questioning the brutality of the mob justice while others express frustration over the rising thefts in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, Muriuki, a known criminal with a history of theft-related offenses, was caught with 200 grams of miraa worth less than Ksh 200. His tragic death has left the community in shock, especially given that his father works as a shoemaker at Ikulungu Shopping Centre. One local resident, Joseph Murimi, stated that the killing was particularly hard to fathom, considering the small amount of miraa involved in the alleged theft. “The death of a young man whose father is a shoemaker at Ikulungu Shopping Centre has left many in disbelief,” Murimi said.
The incident reflects a troubling trend in Kirinyaga County, where lynchings by enraged mobs have become increasingly common. A surge in thefts has been linked to the rising value of miraa, also known as muguka, which is sold at Ksh 800 per kilogram. As the demand for miraa grows, so too do the number of thefts in rural areas, putting local farmers at risk. However, some residents of South Ngariama have expressed concerns over the growing tendency to resort to mob justice, arguing that the punishment was disproportionate to the crime.
Mr. Njogu, another local resident, lamented, “It is said that Dennis Muriuki was killed after being caught with only 200 grams of muguka. I wish he had asked for employment instead of resorting to theft.” His statement reflects the divided sentiments within the community—some sympathizing with Muriuki’s family, while others continue to battle with the frustrations that come with recurring thefts.
Authorities have condemned mob justice and reiterated the importance of involving the police in addressing criminal behavior. Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander, Mohammed Jarso, confirmed the incident and stated that Muriuki had been arrested multiple times for theft-related offenses in South Ngariama. “Police have taken the body to the mortuary. However, we urge residents to report cases to the authorities instead of resorting to mob justice,” Jarso said.
As crime rates increase in some parts of Kirinyaga County, the authorities are urging the public to seek justice through legal channels rather than taking the law into their own hands. This incident is yet another reminder of the dangers of mob justice and the need for systemic solutions to tackle crime in affected communities.
