A mob of over 3,000 individuals stormed Chemase Police Post in Nandi County on January 2, killing a murder suspect and setting the station and a police vehicle on fire. The unrest followed the arrest of the suspect, who had confessed to the brutal murder of 38-year-old Enock Kipsang after threatening to kill his own family.
The suspect’s arrest came after his mother alerted authorities, leading police to uncover dismembered body parts, including a head found in a borehole. Angered by the gruesome crime, residents demanded the suspect’s release to mete out their form of justice.
When police refused, the mob turned violent, vandalizing the station and stoning the suspect to death before setting his body ablaze. The mob also burned the Kenyan and police flags, destroyed crucial police equipment, and injured three officers.
Tinderet Police Commander Johnson Mwariga condemned the violence, emphasizing that such mob actions hinder justice and undermine law enforcement. The National Police Service (NPS) has since urged the public to refrain from taking the law into their hands.
“Destruction of police property, as witnessed in Chemase, only hampers police efficiency. We call for community cooperation to enhance security,” said NPS spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango.
This incident highlights a troubling rise in mob lynching, which the police term as a criminal offense. While the motive behind Kipsang’s murder remains unclear, the mob’s actions reflect growing public frustration with perceived delays in justice.
Experts call for increased public education on the rule of law and enhanced police-community relations to curb such acts of vigilantism. Meanwhile, investigations into the Chemase incident are underway, with authorities vowing to bring those involved in the mob violence to book.
The tragic events at Chemase Police Post underscore the urgent need for law enforcement reforms and community engagement to restore public confidence in Kenya’s justice system.
