Police officers in Mwingi, Kitui County are probing an incident in which residents lynched a suspected robber.
The robber, whose identity has not been disclosed, was attacked and burned after a botched robbery at one of the retail shops in town, Standard reports.
Confirming the incident, Mwingi Central OCPD Peter Mutuma said that the police are now on high alert after the rise in criminal activities in the area.
He also warned the public against taking the law into their own hands.
Two of the suspects escaped from the scene of crime and police have launched a manhunt for them.
The man is suspected to be one of the members of the notorious gang that has been terrorizing the residents of the area in the recent past. The suspect is believed to have been in his mid-20s.
Residents also said that the gangs have been breaking into shops in town at night and robbing them of their property.
They have also appealed to the police in the area to beef up security following an increase in incidents of attacks.
“The police should do their job and ensure both business people and residents are secure. We cannot have a situation whereby criminals are taking charge and making people’s lives unbearable,” said Maliti Mengi, a local businessman.
The police boss assured them that their plight has been heard and action will be taken with immediate effect.