A tragic case of mistaken identity led to the brutal deaths of two men near Kobodo trading centre in Homa Bay County on Wednesday night.
The two—identified as Bob Ochieng, a local butcher, and Kevin Odero, a driver—were attacked by a mob while fixing a flat tire on their vehicle, which was carrying a cow. Locals suspected them of having stolen the animal and were transporting it through Kanyamwa Kologi Ward in Ndhiwa Sub-county.
Ndhiwa Sub-county Police Commander, Mr. John Losia, confirmed the incident, explaining that the cow had actually been lawfully purchased by Mr. Ochieng for slaughter. The two were on their way to deliver the animal when they were ambushed by angry residents.
Armed with crude weapons, the mob inflicted severe injuries on the men, who died on the spot from heavy bleeding. Their vehicle was also torched during the incident.
Police condemned the violent attack, urging the public not to resort to mob justice. "These were innocent people who lost their lives due to false assumptions. The law must be followed, and justice must not be left in the hands of crowds," said Mr. Losia.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and authorities have promised to pursue those responsible.
