Chaos erupted in Rachuonyo East Sub-County on Sunday night after angry villagers torched a pastor’s car, mistaking him for a thief, only to later discover he had been getting cosy with a lady by the riverside.
According to John Kisega, the Assistant Chief of Kowiti Sub-location, residents grew suspicious after spotting the clergyman driving towards River Miriu at around 10 p.m. with a woman in his car. Believing he was involved in the recent wave of cattle thefts, they laid an ambush near Jwelu Primary School.
“The villagers thought he might be among the thieves who have been troubling this area,” said Chief Kisega.
When confronted, the pastor, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly refused to explain himself and fled the scene alongside the unidentified young lady. In the process, the crowd recovered two mobile phones and pieces of inner clothing believed to belong to the couple.
Unable to contain their fury, the villagers set the car ablaze. Efforts by the police to rescue the vehicle were unsuccessful, as the crowd had already reduced it to ashes.
While no injuries were reported, the incident has sparked debate over rising lawlessness and moral standards in the area. Some residents claim the pastor has a reputation for engaging in questionable relationships with young women around the village, which may have added to the public outrage.
Chief Kisega urged residents to report suspicions to the authorities rather than take matters into their own hands. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Written by Brian Odhiambo, TV47
