‎Three suspected livestock thieves have been killed by an angry mob in Yala Village, Rachuonyo South Sub-County in Homa Bay County, following an alleged attempt to steal cattle.

‎The three, whose identities had not been established, are said to have arrived at a homestead at around 3 a.m., allegedly with the intention of stealing livestock.

‎Their presence, however, reportedly alerted residents who quickly mobilized and confronted the suspects.

‎The confrontation turned deadly, with residents beating three of the suspects to death, while a fourth suspect reportedly managed to escape from the scene.

‎The suspects were allegedly travelling in a Toyota Fielder, which was later torched by the angry mob.

‎The Acting Kawino Sub-location Administrator, Pius Ayugi, said residents acted out of frustration following a recent increase in livestock theft in the area.

‎Ayugi said residents had recently lost at least 15 cattle and 58 chickens to suspected thieves, prompting them to convene a public baraza to discuss the escalating insecurity and find ways of protecting their livestock.

‎He said the latest incident occurred shortly after residents had raised concerns over the repeated thefts, with suspicion growing among members of the community.

‎According to Ayugi, one of those killed was allegedly a resident of the area who had been living in Kisumu.

‎Ayugi further claimed that the suspect disclosed before his death that some of the stolen cattle were allegedly being taken to Aram Market in Siaya County, where they were reportedly sold.

‎The allegations have, however, not been independently verified and police are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged livestock theft network.

‎Rachuonyo South Police Commander Philemon Saera has confirmed the incident and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

‎Saera urged members of the public to report suspected criminals to the police and allow investigators and the courts to handle such cases in accordance with the law.

‎The incident has renewed concerns over rising cases of livestock theft in the area, while authorities continue to urge residents to work closely with security agencies rather than resorting to mob justice.