Two people escaped death by a whisker in Kipsongo estate in Kitale town after locals descended on them for being perennial meat thieves.
According to locals the two Abdul Ekai and Sheila Mutsozi were found with meat worth twenty five thousand shillings with part of it being cooked.
“We found them red handed with the meat stored in gunny bags with the duo boiling some of the meat ready for consumption.” Said Susan Tosha, a local.
The locals who descended on the two with blows and blunt weapons have added that they have been a thorn in the flesh for the locals as they have been known to be serial meat thieves.
“It is not the first time they have been caught and the man who works as market watchman knows all the animals that have been stolen.”
One of the local butchers Elisha Khalai has narrated how he has lost quite a huge amount of meat to illegal sellers who keep on breaking into his butcheries.
“Last month I lost meat and two weighing scales after unknown people broke into one of my premises, today morning one of my butcheries was broken into and meat worth twenty five thousand plus assorted vegetables were stolen and I suspect the recovered meat is part of it.”
According to area Sub Chief Bramwel Makokha is that he was informed by locals about two people who had been accosted by locals who were threatening to lynch them forcing him to intervene and save them.
“Around 9 am I was called by locals who said that the duo was being beaten up by locals after they were found cooking the meat at the house of Sheila Mutsozi and I intervened and rescued them.”
His sentiments were echoed by his senior municipality Chief Charles Namunyu who said after interrogation the lady revealed that she got the beef from the suspect.
“The guy has been selling meat since yesterday with buyers buying it for as low as fifty bob. I want to warn locals not to buy uncertified meat as this may lead you to be prosecuted and you can contract unknown diseases.” Added Namunyu.
He further wondered how the meat sellers were operating while there was curfew in the area.
“My assistant and I usually patrol till late in the night and wonder how the thieves get away with their activities. We want to warn all locals to be in their houses before 7 pm as anyone found outside will be promptly arrested.”
The two have been locked up in Kitale police station awaiting prosecution.
