Police in Homa Bay County, Kenya are investigating an incident in which a pastor was beaten by a resident and his car while mistakenly believing a livestock thief, while he had fun with a woman in the bush.
The clergy belongs to the local Christian church, and the car is lost in Jwelu Village, Kakumu location, Ramula location in Rachuonyo East sub-prefecture.
The incident began when residents found the priest’s vehicle parked in the bush.
They suspected that the vehicle might belong to a thief who intended to steal cattle in the area and they mobilized themselves.
Their suspicion is exacerbated by frequent livestock thefts in the area, which often uses small vehicles to transport stolen livestock.
When residents approached the vehicle, they found a priest with a woman.
They faced the clergy and asked for explanation of his presence in the bushes.
However, the pastor tried to escape, prompting them to arrest him.
Another group fired his vehicle as a group of mobs continued to attack the clergy. Residents claim they found some pants in the vehicle
“We don’t know his exact purpose, but he found him in the car with a woman. And some pants,” said one resident.
The fire caused significant damage to the vehicle. The mob continued to beat the clergy until some people who knew him intervened. They told the mob that they were attacking the priest.
After learning that the victim was a pastor, the mob released him. However, he suffered a serious head injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, she fled when she saw the clergy being beaten.
Rachuonyo East police commander Laban Omol confirmed that the investigation into the incident had begun. He said DCI officials were dealing with the matter.
“The officers will interact with the residents to help determine the truth about what happened,” Omore said.
He urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“Let residents avoid taking the law into their own hands, as doing so can unjustly punish innocent people.”
He also called on residents to report any suspected criminal activities to the police.
