Shock and grief engulfed locals of Kithyoko market in Masinga sub-county, Machakos County, after a middle-aged man was arrested for allegedly poisoning his two children.
According to eyewitnesses, the horrifying incident unfolded on Monday afternoon, leaving residents in disbelief.
It is reported that one of the children died on the spot, while the other survived and is currently receiving treatment at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital in critical condition.
“I was going on with my business when I heard people screaming. I rushed to the scene and found a crowd beating up a man. Later, I learned that he had poisoned his two children. It’s shocking that a parent can do such a thing,” said one local resident.
The motive behind the man’s actions remains unclear, with authorities yet to establish what led him to commit the act.
Moments after the incident, an irate mob descended on the suspect, beating him mercilessly with blows, kicks, and crude weapons.
He was, however, rescued by county inspectorate officers who intervened just in time and handed him over to the police.
The suspect is currently being held at Kithyoko Police Station, where he is assisting detectives with investigations, awaiting arraignment in court.
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased child has been moved to the Mwingi Level Four Hospital mortuary as detectives launch a full investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Residents have called on the authorities to ensure justice is served, describing the act as barbaric and inhumane.
