This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
On January 9, 2020, a man from Uganda who had been in jail for many years was brutally killed by a mob in Omeri estate, Busia, Kenya.
The incident occurred after the deceased, who had been released from prison in Uganda just two days prior, stole a gas cylinder from a house in the estate.
According to eyewitnesses, the deceased and his accomplices broke into the house at midnight, taking advantage of a power blackout.
However, when power returned, the accomplices fled, leaving the deceased behind.
It is alleged that the deceased had intended to rape the 11-year-old girl who was home alone, but was confused when power returned and instead attempted to flee with the gas cylinder.
Residents of the estate cornered the deceased and lynched him, using stones and other weapons.
The police were informed about the incident but declined to attend the scene until the next morning, when they went to collect the body.
The lynching has been hailed as a lesson to other Ugandans who have been terrorizing residents in the area at night, breaking into houses and stealing property.
Residents have also accused some Kenyans of colluding with their Ugandan friends to raid houses and steal goods, taking advantage of the insecurity in the area.
