A Murang’a Law court clerk has died after irate residents of Gitumbi village in Kirinyaga County set him on fire for allegedly refusing to have his son buried on his land.
Muriithi Muchiri, 49, was burnt beyond recognition in his five-roomed house on Saturday morning.
All hell broke loose after Muchiri attempted to disperse mourners who had convened at his home for burial arrangements for his first-born son who was found dead on Monday.
Muchiri’s son with an estranged wife was found hanging on a tree branch a few steps from his house.
Residents had been meeting at the local trading center after Muchiri refused to organize his son’s funeral.
On Saturday, mourners went to his house to seek guidance on the location where his son would be laid to rest but Muchiri drove them away, threatening to hack them if they entered his compound.
This angered residents prompting them to take the law into their own hands, beating the deceased before locking him in the house and torching it.
Kerugoya OCPD Mohamed Bedel says an investigation into the incident has been launched.
Elsewhere, police in Vihiga County Thursday arrested a man for allegedly killing his friend over Sh60 debt.
Emmukunzi Assistant Chief Wilson Matika said the 39-year-old victim was hit by a blunt object.
Mr Matika said the victim was demanding a payment of Sh60 owed to him by the suspect when he was attacked.
The victim had prepared a bundle of firewood for sale and the suspect received proceeds of the sale on his behalf.
Mr Matika said the suspect was unhappy after his friend requested to be given his money, leading to the attack.
The weapon used was recovered by the police.
The assistant chief said the suspect will be charged with murder after the Easter holiday.