A 31-year-old man has died after he was beaten by an angry mob Nyanchogo village in Monyerero ward, Marani in Kisii County.
The incident happened on Tuesday evening.
It is alleged that the deceased identified as Paul was caught stealing electricity wires.
"Paul has been one of the notorious local thieves stealing electricity wires making us be in the blackout. His forty (40) days reached and he was caught red-handed cutting the electricity wires so that he can take to sell," said a furious local Alfred Nyabuto.
Mr Nyabuto said Boda boda riders who spotted the suspect raised alarm to attract members of the public.
Raphael Nyamote, area assistant chief said angry locals descended on the suspect with crude weapons killing him on the spot.
"The deceased could not be rescued from the jaws of death because the locals alerted me after they had killed him," he noted.
He warned members of the public not to take the law into their hands but, surrender criminals to authorities.
The chief further warned local youths against engaging in the theft which is illegal and punishable by law.
Nyamote said the body of the deceased was taken to Kisii Teaching and referral hospital morgue.