Property of unknown value was burnt to ashes Monday after irate residents of Muthambi in Tharaka Nithi County torched the home of a man suspected to have caused the death of a high school student through flogging.
The irate residents of Muthambi ward woke up with bitterness after the high school student named Shaffi Omar succumbed to death from severe injuries sustained from the beatings by Pharis Miriti and set his house on fire.
Miriti is said to have flogged Shaffi Omari who is a friend to his son, Kenfrey Mwenda accusing him of misleading his son. Omari is currently out of school as the government has extended school vacations as a way of managing the viral Covid-19 disease.
A resident of the area Jane Kawira said Mwenda used to visit Shaffi and spend nights at his place since they are friends but last week Miriti was not pleased with the act of his son not being at home and sent unknown people to go look for him.
Kawira further narrated how the deceased accompanied his friend to the assailant’s house to say they were together, but later Miriti went to Shaffi’s home beating him up and warning him against misleading his son.
Shaffi was rushed to Chuka referral hospital with severe injuries but succumbed to death due to internal bleeding.
The area Assistant County Commissioner, Ms. Laura Kedode confirmed the incident, but warned the residents against taking law in their hands saying they will investigate the issue until justice is found.
On hearing of the death of Shaffi, Miriti disappeared and is being pursued by police.
By Kenneth Marangu/Monicah Nyagah
