A Std 8 pupil is among three suspected robbers who were Thursday killed by an angry mob at Kamukunywa market in Bungoma County.
During the robbery, three men were left with serious cuts and are currently fighting for their lives at a facility in Kimilili.
A woman was also allegedly raped during the robbery incident.
Residents decried an upsurge in insecurity incidents in the area and called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to intervene.
They vowed to take matters into their hands if police fail to deal with notorious gangsters in the area.
Mob injustice is, however, a crime punishable under law. The law provides that a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Article 50(2)(a) of the Constitution says, “every person has the right to a fair trial, which includes the right to be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved."
While speaking to the press at Kamukunywa market on Thursday, Bernard Wanjala, a resident, condemned the incident.
"We are tired of reporting insecurity incidents to the police station every day without action from the relevant authorities and that is why we decided to take the law in our hands,” he said.
He said armed gangs have been terrorising and killing people in the area and stealing items from shops in the market.
Another resident, Pauline Wafula, told the press the student suspected to have been involved in the rape incident is known in the area.
She revealed that the suspect was a learner at Nasioyi Primary School.
"It’s very unfortunate that parents try their best to ensure their children are in class but they have in turn started engaging in things that aren’t beneficial to them,” she said.
Emmanuel Wasike, village elder, confirmed that three people were killed by angry villagers.
He asked Bungoma County commissioner Thomas Sankei, County police commander Francis Kooli and all relevant authorities to ensure more security personnel are deployed in the area to help combat frequent insecurity incidents.
Wasike called on the affected families to remain calm saying the matter has been taken up by DCI officers who are probing the matter.
The insecurity issue has attracted concerns from area MP Didmus Barasa who has scheduled a meeting at the market.