Police in Homa Bay County, Kenya, have launched an investigation after a local pastor was beaten within an inch of his life by residents who mistook him for a livestock thief.
His car was set ablaze in the incident which occurred in Jwelu village, Kakumu Sub-location, Ramula Location, in Rachuonyo East Sub-county.
According to reports, residents became suspicious after spotting a vehicle parked in a bushy area.
Given the area’s frequent livestock thefts—often involving small vehicles—they assumed the car belonged to cattle rustlers and quickly mobilised.
Upon approaching the car, the residents found the clergyman with a woman.
As they approached him with a barrage of questions, the pastor allegedly took to his heels apparently concerned about being seen in the scandalous situation.
The mob who did not immediately recognise him as a clergyman became more convinced that he was there to steal livestock because he was trying to flee.
He was immediately apprehended and assaulted, while others in the group set his vehicle ablaze.
Some residents claimed to have found trousers inside the car.
“We weren’t sure what he was doing there, but he was with a woman and there were trousers in the vehicle,” said one resident.
The situation escalated until a few locals recognised the man and informed the crowd he was a pastor.
He was then released, but not before sustaining serious head injuries. He was later taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The woman reportedly fled the scene during the attack.
Confirming the incident, Rachuonyo East Police Commander Laban Omol said officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are handling the case.
“The officers will work closely with the community to establish the facts,” Omol stated, warning against mob justice.
“Taking the law into your own hands may lead to the punishment of innocent people.”
He also urged residents to report any suspicious activity directly to the authorities.
