Residents of Mwingi town have denied claims that they torched a probox car which was ferrying charcoal in Kitui County on Tuesday evening.
They said the vehicle burst into flames because it was carrying un-cooled charcoal.
In an interview with a local daily, the residents denied torching the vehicle as it has been widely reported in the media.
According to the residents, the probox vehicle burst into flames to their surprise, forcing them to intervene and help the occupants.
“It is false for the media to claim that we torched the vehicle," a resident who sought anonymity told a local daily.
Police had a rough time dispersing residents who had milled around the burning vehicle taking photos.
The locals, however, celebrated the incident saying it was a good signal for the need to conserve the environment.
According to Kitui Central OCPD John Nyamu, investigations into the incident was ongoing.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has been on the spot with allegations of inciting locals to torch vehicles found ferrying charcoal.
A section of Kiambu politicians have been calling and demanding for governor Ngilu’s arrest and prosecution.
Governor Ngilu has denied inciting locals to violence, stating that the ban on charcoal is unstoppable.
On Monday Ngilu was grilled by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission over the alleged incitement to violence.
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