Security officers in Meru are holding a man who allegedly attacked a suspected miraa thief by severing his hand.
In the incident reported at Kangeta Police Station in Igembe Central, the assailant is said to have chopped off the wrist of the man.
The 7:15 am Wednesday incident occurred at Mukolene area of Kathelwa location and was reported by the father of the attacker.
He told police that he received an alert from his son about the suspected thief who had trespassed into their farm forcing him to give a chase after fleeing on his sight.
In a hot pursuit, police said, the man caught up with the suspect on the main road and, in a fit of rage, took the law into his own hands by severing his left hand at the wrist.
Officers from Kangeta police station who were alerted about the incident visited the scene and recovered two pangas suspected to have been used by the attacker who is currently in custody.
Also recovered is the severed hand which is being preserved at Meru General Hospital.
The suspect is set to be arraigned in court today to face charges of assault.
The suspected thief was rushed to Kangeta Health Centre by good Samaritans where he received initial first aid before being referred to Meru General Hospital for further treatment.