Probe as 25-year-old man lynched, body set ablaze under police watch in Kabete

Police in Kabete are investigating a violent incident in which a 25-year-old man was lynched by a mob and his body was later set ablaze.

The victim, identified as Wesley Matekwa, was reportedly heading home after watching a football match in the Congo area of Kawangware.

According to initial reports, Matekwa was confronted by two women who allegedly robbed him of his mobile phone.

Witnesses say that as he attempted to pursue the suspects, the women raised an alarm, accusing him of theft. Members of the public responded to the shouts and turned on Matekwa, subjecting him to a brutal assault before setting him on fire.

Disturbing images and videos captured at the scene painted a harrowing picture of the final moments of the 25-year-old, who died following the mob attack.

Initial accounts indicate that the mob believed Matekwa had snatched a mobile phone from two women at around 10 p.m. on the night of the incident last month. The alarm raised by the women reportedly drew members of the public, triggering the fatal assault.

However, family members, friends, and colleagues have disputed this account, offering a different version of events.

They say Matekwa was on his way home to the Mayers area of Kawangware after watching a football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at a local entertainment spot in the Congo area, several kilometres away.

“Alikuwa akikimbia akifuata simu yake, na sasa hapo walimtega na wakamchapa,” a relative, Zubeida Hamala said.

Rehema Otonde, a widow, added: “Kulingana na hiyo video, anajaribu kujitetea na kujitambulisha lakini hawaskii.”

Investigations and witness statements indicate that Matekwa may have been confronted by two women who allegedly robbed him of his mobile phone while a boda boda rider waited nearby.

As he attempted to pursue the suspects, the women reportedly raised an alarm, drawing the attention of members of the public and triggering the fatal chain of events.

Astonishingly, a police vehicle was stationed just metres from the scene but made no attempt to intervene or prevent the crime. The vehicle’s hazard lights were on, giving the chilling impression that officers were merely waiting to collect the body after the mob attack.

“Wesley hakuwa mwizi. Ameacha mtoto mdogo sana. Tulifanya kazi naye kwa casino, na huwezi kuajiriwa huko bila rekodi safi,” a friend Celina Mchelasya stated.

Another friend Phylis Machuka said, “Tumemake habit that boy child alikuwa na makosa. Ni kwa sababu ni wanawake walipiga nduru ndiyo mkamshambulia. Mbona hamkuuliza ameiba nini? Hii kitu inaendelea sana siku hizi.”

Police say investigations are ongoing, including recording witness statements and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings. The incident has raised renewed concerns over mob justice and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands.