A horrific incident unfolded in Kilera village, Igembe North, Meru County, leaving five people dead in a tragic turn of events on Saturday. The assailant, identified as 38-year-old Jeremiah Kabuora, allegedly went berserk, indiscriminately hacking four neighbours to death with a machete before being lynched by an enraged mob. This shocking episode has left the local community in agony and raised serious concerns about mental health and mob justice in the region.
According to Igembe North Police Commander Mark Bitok, the violence erupted when Kabuora, who is suspected to have been mentally challenged, had a heated argument with his father. After being chased away from his home, Kabuora armed himself with a machete and began attacking anyone he encountered on the road. The tragic rampage occurred approximately 10 kilometres from Laare Town, where the victims, who were tending to their farms, unexpectedly crossed paths with Kabuora.
Among the victims were Geoffrey Muriuki Maore, 38, whose body was discovered in Luma area, Seberia Mukomaitha, 70, and Regina Micubu, 35. The fourth victim, who was not immediately identified, succumbed to severe machete injuries in hospital. A fifth individual is currently receiving treatment in critical condition.
Commander Bitok described the incident as a “bizarre attack” and emphasized that Kabuora was responsible for hacking five people, three of whom died on the spot while the fourth succumbed to injuries at the hospital. As the violent spree continued, Kabuora was confronted by local residents near a water point. Attempting to strike another victim, he was subdued and stoned to death by an angry mob.
Despite the community’s understandable outrage, police have cautioned against mob justice, urging residents to hand over suspects to authorities for due legal process. “We discourage mob lynching and strongly advocate that suspects be surrendered to law enforcement for prosecution,” said Commander Bitok. He also confirmed that investigations have been launched into the attack to understand the underlying causes and to prevent such incidents in the future.
Residents of Kilera village described Kabuora as having a history of violent behavior. “His father could not go to the farm where Kabuora lived because he was violent. We suspect he was mentally challenged,” said a resident, highlighting the long-standing tension and fear surrounding Kabuora’s unpredictable behavior.
This tragic event has brought to light critical issues surrounding mental health care and community safety in rural areas. The lack of adequate mental health support and intervention often leaves vulnerable individuals without the help they need, which can lead to tragic outcomes such as this. Mental health experts have long advocated for increased resources and community-based support systems to manage and treat mental health conditions, especially in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited.
The rise in mob lynching cases across various parts of Kenya has also sparked concern among law enforcement and human rights advocates. There are increasing calls for community sensitization and legal reforms to address the underlying causes of mob justice, which often stems from frustration with perceived delays and failures within the justice system.
As Kilera village mourns the loss of its residents, the bodies of the deceased have been moved to Maua mortuary for autopsy. Meanwhile, a team of detectives has been dispatched to the area to gather evidence and further investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. The tragic events in Kilera serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for better mental health care, effective community policing, and the elimination of mob justice in Kenya.
