Homa Bay clergyman assaulted, car burned after being mistaken for livestock thief

Police in Homa Bay County are investigating an incident in which a clergyman lost his vehicle due to a case of mistaken identity involving livestock theft perpetrators.

The clergyman, who belongs to a local Christian church, lost the car in Jwelu village, Kakumu Sub-location, Ramula Location, within Rachuonyo East Sub-county.

The incident began when residents spotted the clergyman’s vehicle parked in a thicket. Suspecting that the vehicle might belong to thieves intending to steal cattle in the area, they mobilised themselves.

Their suspicion was fuelled by the frequent livestock thefts in the region, where small vehicles are often used to transport stolen livestock.

When the residents approached the vehicle, they found the clergyman with a woman seated beside him. They confronted the clergyman and demanded an explanation for his presence in the thicket. However, the man of God attempted to flee, prompting them to apprehend him.

While one group of the mob continued to assault the clergyman, another group set his vehicle ablaze. Residents claimed they discovered some trousers in the vehicle.

“We don’t know his exact purpose, but he was found in the vehicle with a woman. There were also some trousers,” said one resident.

The fire caused significant damage to the vehicle. The mob continued to assault the clergyman until some individuals who recognised him intervened. They informed the mob that they were attacking a pastor.

Upon learning that the victim was a pastor, the mob released him. However, he had sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, the woman fled when she saw the clergyman being assaulted.

Rachuonyo East Police Commander Laban Omol confirmed that investigations into the incident had begun. He stated that DCI officers were handling the matter.

“The officers will engage with residents to help establish the truth of what happened,” Omol said.

He urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

“Let residents avoid taking the law into their own hands, as doing so can unjustly punish innocent people,” Omol warned.

He also called on residents to report any suspected criminal activity to the police.