“Reports we have indicate the gang trailed the businessman, Mr David Ruto, from Kitale town where he had withdrawn the cash from one of the banks,” explained.
Busienei added using a saloon car, the suspects tailed the matatu boarded by the trader. The passenger service vehicle was travelling to Eldoret to Kitale.
“However, the Nissan Matatu alighted all its passengers at Moi’s Bridge trading, forcing those travelling past the centre to seek alternative means,” further said Busienei.
It was alleged Ruto was then violently hijacked and handcuffed by the unidentified gang, “that pushed him into a private car, which immediately sped off towards Eldoret direction,” added Busienei.
According to the businessman, the gang snatched all the cash he had in before dumping him a few metres from his home along the Nangili-Ziwa-Eldoret route.
“I rushed to a nearby compound and I raised the alarm prompting workers who were shelling maize to action,” said Ruto.
Eyewitnesses told the press, the van carrying the criminals incidentally stopped. It was not established whether it had run short of fuel or had developed a mechanical hitch.
“The irate villagers accosted the gang as they attempted to forcefully take alternative services,” said an eyewitness.
The mob attacked the gang using crude weapons before eventually burning them to death. Sources claimed a fourth member of the gang managed to escape unhurt under unclear circumstances.
Busienei disclosed that about Kshs. 200,000 was retrieved from the pockets of one of the thugs.
“It was not clear whether the escapee suspect made away with the rest of the money or it was looted by a section of the crowd,” reported the administrator who added he managed to convince the mob against destroying the van.
Three car number plates, KBV 676S, KBK 193U and CE621AK with handcuffs were found in the van.
Addressing residents at the scene of the incident, Soy assistant county commissioner (ACC) Mr Elijah Mulama warned residents against taking the laws into their hands.
He instead urged them to hand all suspects to security officers for the appropriate legal action to take place.
Remains of the lynched suspects were removed to Eldoret’s Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary