This archive report was first published on 24 November 2019.
On November 23, 2019, tragedy struck in Sigalagala when a Form Four candidate was killed by an angry mob led by Nyumba Kumi officials.
The student, Rodgers Bett, had just finished sitting for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams at Burendwa Secondary School.
According to his mother, Beatrice Khalenya, Rodgers' killing was a result of mistaken identity, as he had never been accused of stealing before.
As reported by The Standard, the mob was led by Nyumba Kumi officials who had accused Rodgers of stealing a mobile phone from a businessman at the Sigalagala market.
However, the phone was later found in the custody of Rodgers' girlfriend, leading to allegations of mistaken identity.
Confirming the incident, Shinyalu sub-county police commander, Robert Makauon, stated that a businessman had alleged the student had stolen the phone.
Tragically, Rodgers succumbed to his injuries at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where his body was being preserved.
