Robbers Beaten, Car Burned After M-PESA Shop Heist in Eldoret Ends in Dramatic Citizen Chase

 

A dramatic scene unfolded in Uasin Gishu County after a group of suspected robbers who had allegedly raided an M-PESA shop in Eldoret were apprehended by local residents in Rimoi, Soy constituency.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspects made their getaway in a silver Toyota Harrier following the midday robbery, triggering a swift pursuit by irate locals who had witnessed the incident or received alerts. The chase spanned several kilometers, ending in Rimoi where the suspects were cornered.

Before police could arrive at the scene, the suspects were subjected to a mob beating by the furious residents. “They thought they could run, but this is Uasin Gishu. We don’t just sit back,” said one local who participated in the chase.

In a move that has since sparked both humor and controversy online, the crowd reportedly recovered an undisclosed amount of stolen money from the suspects and declared it a “chasing allowance.” The money was then distributed among those who took part in the pursuit.

The mob did not stop there. In an act of vigilante justice, they torched the Toyota Harrier used in the escape, reducing the vehicle to a smoldering shell before law enforcement arrived.

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, who confirmed the incident, condemned the mob justice but acknowledged that the suspects were later handed over to authorities alive, albeit injured. "We urge members of the public not to take the law into their own hands. While we appreciate the vigilance, all suspects are entitled to due process," he stated.

The suspects are currently receiving medical treatment under police guard and are expected to be arraigned once stabilized.

Police have launched an investigation into both the robbery and the mob’s actions, including the destruction of property and possible theft of evidence.

Meanwhile, on social media, residents have lauded the community’s swift response, with memes and posts about the “chasing allowance” going viral.