This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
On the night of August 1, 2019, a family in Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County, was left reeling after a gang of six thugs attacked their home, stealing Sh18,000 meant for a coffin and leaving the husband, wife, and brother nursing injuries.
Rufas Thiga, the husband, recounted how the gang broke into their home, shortly after mourners had left the compound. He managed to escape through a back door but was caught by one of the thugs who alerted the others.
Two of the criminals attacked Mr Thiga with a panga, while the other two terrorized his wife, Magaret Wambui, with crude weapons. She was hiding in the bathroom when the thugs demanded money, threatening to kill the entire family.
Mr Thiga was forced to hand over the Sh18,000 meant for the coffin, while his brother, Benson Kigo, was met by the thugs when he left his house to investigate the commotion. The thugs introduced themselves as police officers before attacking him, but he realized they were criminals when they ordered him to lie on the ground.
Mr Kigo was forced into the house and handed over Sh3,000 belonging to his wife, a local businessman. The incident has highlighted the increased crime rate in the area, with the village Nyumba Kumi Initiative Chairman, Mwangi Njuguna, complaining that the thugs raid homes during the day and on Sundays when residents are attending church.
