A suspected robber on Thursday evening escaped death narrowly at Ruiru stage after police rescued him from an irate mob that wanted to lynch him.
The suspect, Dominic Gitonga, is alleged to have been part of a three-man gang that had been apprehended in Juja town on Thursday pick-pocketing from accident casualties. He is set to appear in court today.
Ruiru OCPD Isaac Thuranira said that the man is alleged to have tried snatching a handbag from a lady who was alighting a vehicle at the stage and on noticing, the lady screamed for help and mob gathered at the area.
The mob beat him up and as they were about to set him ablaze, police officers on routine patrol arrived. They rescued him before taking him to the Ruiru district hospital where he was treated and released and is now being held in police custody.
The police boss said they are tracking his accomplices through interrogation as the gang consists of over 10 people and asked members of the public who have information about them to volunteer it to the police.
He warned residents against taking the law into their hands, saying suspects should always be handed to the police for investigations and prosecution.
Thuranira has, however, vowed to ensure the criminal gangs in Ruiru area are seized.