The Police in Homa Bay County, Kenya, have launched an investigation into a disturbing incident in which a pastor was assaulted by residents and his car set ablaze after he was mistaken for a livestock thief while allegedly engaging in intimate activities with a woman in a bush.
The incident occurred in Jwelu village, Kakumu Sub-location, Ramula Location, within Rachuonyo East Sub-county.
According to eyewitnesses, the chaos began when locals spotted the clergyman’s vehicle parked suspiciously in a thicket. Given the region’s history of livestock theft—often carried out using small vehicles—the residents became alarmed and mobilized to investigate.
Upon approaching the car, they found the pastor with a woman inside. The group confronted him and demanded an explanation, but when he tried to flee, the situation escalated.
While some members of the mob apprehended and began assaulting the clergyman, others torched his vehicle. Residents claimed they found several pairs of trousers inside the car, which only heightened their suspicion.
“We don’t know his exact purpose, but he was found in the vehicle with a woman. There were also some trousers,” one resident remarked.
The fire caused severe damage to the vehicle. The mob continued to beat the pastor until some individuals recognized him and informed others that he was a local clergyman. Upon realizing his identity, the mob dispersed.
The pastor, who sustained serious head injuries, was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The woman, however, managed to flee the scene as the attack unfolded.
Rachuonyo East Police Commander, Laban Omol, confirmed the incident and stated that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had taken up the case.
“The officers will engage with residents to help establish the truth of what happened,” Omol said.
He also urged community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, warning that such actions could lead to the unjust punishment of innocent people.
“Let residents avoid taking the law into their own hands,” he cautioned. “Instead, report all suspected criminal activity to the police.”
