Irate residents in Njoro, Nakuru County, on Tuesday lynched three suspected thieves.

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The three, who were armed with crude weapons, are reported to have been caught breaking into a shop.

Confirming the incident, Njoro OCPD Kegode Kidiavayi, condemned the residents and warned them against taking the law into their own hands.

The OCPD said police have launched investigations into the matter, adding that action will be taken against residents who will be found culpable.

A witness, identified as Stephen Kamau, said area residents received a tip-off on Monday night indicating that the three were planning to rob the shop.

They then trailed the suspects before they allegedly caught them breaking into the shop.

According to Kamau, the three were then arrested and asked to name other criminals in the area.

The locals then gave them a dog's beating after they failed to cooperate, and later poured petrol on them before setting them on fire, Citizen Digital reports.