28 houses in Kaloleni Estate, Kisumu were today torched by a group of boda boda operators who accused the residents of harbouring motorcycle thieves.
The fiasco began at around 1:00am on Sunday after three motorcycles were found burnt by alleged members of the gang responsible for motorcycle thefts in the area.
A group of boda boda operators then took it upon themselves to find the culprits.
They stormed Kaloleni estate and conducted a door to door operation in search of the thieves.
They accused area residents of harbouring the culprits, an accusation the residents have firmly denied.
The residents claimed that the attack was politically instigated for reasons they are yet to understand.
As the manhunt went on, a number of houses were set on fire, eventually totalling 28.
A fire engine was called to the scene, but was initially turned away by the riders. The engine eventually managed to respond to the situation and the blaze was stopped.
No injuries were reported but property of unknown value has been destroyed.
Kisumu County Commander Titus Yoma stated that investigations into the matter had begun.
"The police are on with the investigation and we shall arrest those guilty of burning the motorcycles and the houses," Mr Yoma declared.
Residents have accused the police of failing to protect them and their property.
