Pastor Attacked, Car Burned After Being Mistaken for Livestock Thief While Having Fun with Woman in Bush

A clergyman in Homa Bay County was assaulted and his car set ablaze by angry residents after being mistaken for a livestock thief while reportedly spending time with a woman in a bush. The incident occurred in Jwelu village, Kakumu Sub-location, Ramula Location, within Rachuonyo East Sub-county.

Residents grew suspicious after noticing the pastor’s vehicle parked in a thicket, an area where cattle rustling has been a recurring problem. With past incidents involving the use of small vehicles to transport stolen livestock, locals quickly mobilized to investigate.

Upon approaching the vehicle, they found the pastor with a woman and demanded an explanation. According to witnesses, the pastor attempted to flee, which only escalated tensions. A section of the mob apprehended him, while others torched his car, which was extensively damaged by the flames. Some residents claimed trousers were found inside the vehicle, further fueling speculation.

“We don’t know his exact purpose, but he was found in the vehicle with a woman. There were also some trousers,” one resident remarked.

The assault continued until several individuals recognized the man as a local pastor and intervened, prompting the crowd to release him. He had already sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The woman reportedly fled the scene during the commotion.

Rachuonyo East Police Commander Laban Omol confirmed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is looking into the matter. He urged residents to avoid mob justice, warning that it could lead to innocent people being harmed.

“Let residents avoid taking the law into their own hands, as doing so can unjustly punish innocent people,” Omol said. He further encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities rather than resorting to violence.