Two armed robbers were killed by an angry mob in the Kondele district of Kisumu County in the early hours of Monday morning, as police launched a manhunt for three other suspects believed to be involved in the robbery. The incident, which occurred around 5 a.m., has once again highlighted the persistent issue of armed robbery in the region and the community’s forceful response to such crimes.
According to local reports, the suspects were cornered near the Car Wash area along Kondele Kibos Road, where they were allegedly carrying an assortment of electronic equipment believed to have been stolen from nearby households. The mob, reportedly incensed by the robbers’ failure to surrender when challenged, subjected them to mob justice, resulting in their deaths.
Kisumu County Police Commander, Mr. Ondari, confirmed the incident during a press briefing. “We received reports of the robbery and responded promptly, but by the time we arrived, the mob had already taken action,” he stated. “We are now focusing our efforts on apprehending the remaining three suspects who managed to escape.”
This event is part of a troubling trend of escalating insecurity in Kisumu, particularly in areas like Kondele, which has a history of social unrest and political demonstrations. Just last week, three other armed robbers were killed in a similar confrontation, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Local residents expressed a mix of relief and concern. “We are tired of these robbers terrorizing our community, but we also worry about the consequences of mob justice,” said Jane Achieng, a shopkeeper in Kondele. “We need the police to be more proactive in preventing these crimes.”
The police have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activities rather than taking the law into their own hands. “Mob justice is not the solution,” Commander Ondari emphasized. “It only leads to further chaos and can result in innocent people being harmed.”
As investigations continue, the Kisumu County government has called for a meeting with community leaders and security officials to address the rising insecurity and find sustainable solutions to protect residents.
