MACHAKOS, Kenya — Police in Machakos County have rescued a suspected thief from an attempted mob lynching after he was found trapped inside a church chimney.
The incident occurred early Monday morning at AIC Kituluni Church in the Kamuthanga area, where the man is believed to have gained access to the premises before becoming stuck in the kitchen chimney.
Residents who discovered the suspect reportedly began assaulting him before police officers from a nearby post intervened and rescued him.
According to area assistant chief Noel Kilonzo, the suspect is currently being held at Machakos Police Station as investigations continue.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over mob justice in parts of Kenya, where suspected criminals are sometimes subjected to violence before due process can take place.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly warned against such actions, emphasising the importance of allowing law enforcement and the judicial system to handle criminal cases.
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Authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspect or whether any items were stolen from the church. Police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attempted break-in and the events leading to the suspect becoming trapped.
The swift intervention by officers likely prevented serious injury or death, as mob justice incidents have in some cases resulted in fatalities.
Cases of suspected thieves getting trapped during break-ins are not uncommon, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas, but they often attract public attention when combined with mob action.
Security experts continue to urge communities to report suspects to authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands.
