The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a strong condemnation of mob justice, warning that citizens taking the law into their own hands undermines Kenya’s justice system and risk plunging the country into anarchy.

“It is unacceptable for individuals to act as arresting agency, jury, and executioner,” said NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyagah said.

Nyaga emphasized that the Constitution, under Article 50, presumes every suspect innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. “Mob justice disregards this fundamental principle, eroding the rule of law,” he stated.

He urged Kenyans to respect legal processes, noting that mob justice is not only illegal but frequently results in the victimization of innocent people, often due to mistaken identity or unverified accusations.

“Obedience to our laws and institutions is the dignified approach, not emotional or impulsive responses to crime. Such acts can spiral into lawlessness and disorder, threatening the very fabric of our society,” Nyaga warned.

He further cautioned that engaging in mob justice is a criminal offense punishable under the law, with perpetrators facing charges including assault, murder, or incitement.

Nyaga encouraged citizens to channel their frustrations into advocating for systemic improvements within the justice system rather than resorting to vigilantism, which often worsens injustice.

Despite these warnings, incidents of mob justice have surged across Kenya, reflecting deep-seated frustrations with the country’s criminal justice system. On June 12, 2025, four cases were reported in Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, and Bomet counties.

In Malaba, Busia, police rescued 22-year-old Emmanuel Omachar from a mob after he was caught with stolen household goods. The crowd had already begun beating him, accusing him of repeated thefts in the area.

In Kisumu’s Kondele area, 24-year-old Wesley Omondi narrowly escaped death after being attacked for alleged habitual theft, with residents claiming he had terrorized the community for months.

In Siaya’s Bondo area, police intervened to save 18-year-old Suleiman Musa and 25-year-old Abdi Karim, accused of defrauding residents through M-Pesa scams.

In Chemagel village, Bomet, 21-year-old Vincent Kiplangat was seriously injured after stealing a chicken, which incited a mob attack with crude weapons.

The trend continued unabated on June 13, with cases in Nyandarua, Bungoma, Homa Bay, and Kisumu.

In Nyandarua’s Kenyatta village, Njoroge Kanene and his accomplice, Gumba, were killed and their bodies burned after being caught slaughtering a stolen sheep. The gruesome act shocked the community, though some residents defended the mob’s actions as a response to repeated livestock thefts.

In Bungoma’s Kabula location, 30-year-old Simon Simiyu Misiko was severely injured for breaking into a private school’s store, allegedly intending to steal food supplies meant for students.