Interior CS, Fred Matiang'i, on Monday, came out to strongly condemn the hacking to death of a man, that happened close to Khayega Market, in Shinyalu area of Kakamega County, on July 12, 2019.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, CS Matiang'i announced an operation to crack down on the occurrence of such incidents
"Until all those responsible for conducting, aiding or abetting these reprehensible acts face the full force of the law. It will no longer be business as usual in Khayega," Matiang'i vowed.
The communication revealed that the murder had been falsely reported to police as a case of mob injustice.
With instructions from Police IG, Hillary Mutyambai, officers immediately launched a massive operation in the area and have since arrested 26 suspects.
Those arrested include the acting area chief, the suspected murderer, the owner of the crude weapon used in the murder, as well as individuals who stood by and watched the merciless act unfold without taking any action.
Matiang'i was informed that the area chief was in very close proximity of the scene of the crime and failed to take any administrative action.
Seven of the suspects have already appeared before Kakamega High Court.
"We, therefore, urge residents not to take the law into their own hands but to report criminal activity of any shape or form to the nearest police station or post without fear of recrimination, as no one is above the law.
"Citizens stand reminded that only a court of law has the authority to adjudicate someone’s guilt or innocence," concluded the statement by Matiang'i.
