Suspected chicken thief lynched in Mwea

According to residents led by Juliana Wambui, the suspect was cornered inside the homestead of Johnson Irungu, where he was reportedly attempting to steal poultry.

Mary Muthoni, a neighbour, said the man—believed to be from Kirwara village—was spotted by Irungu’s son inside the chicken coop stuffing birds into a sack. The son raised the alarm, drawing villagers who allegedly found the suspect with five chickens before descending on him.

Mr. Irungu told reporters he was away from his home chasing monkeys destroying his crops along the Sagana River when the incident occurred.

“I was shocked to learn that one of the people who has been stealing my livestock had been caught. They have taken almost everything I own. These five chickens were meant for my family’s Christmas celebrations. What is happening to our society?” he posed.

Residents said the area has been grappling with increased insecurity, with criminal gangs reportedly targeting villagers after nightfall.

“From around 7 pm, you cannot walk along the Makutano–Murango–Kanyuyu road because of violent gangs. There is no electricity here, and the darkness gives criminals room to operate,” said Simon Mwangi, a resident.

Kirinyaga County has recorded rising cases of chicken theft during the festive season. On December 5, another man was lynched at Mururi Shopping Centre in Gichugu after he was allegedly caught stealing chickens meant for Christmas celebrations.

Police officers from Mwea West Sub-County removed the body to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.