Irate Mourners Kill Six Men During Funeral Service of Kenyan Businessman

Six men were on Friday evening lynched by irate mourners during the funeral service of a slain businessman in Butula, Busia County.

Confirming the incident, Busia County Commissioner Jacob Narengo said the six were beaten to death by the grievers who accused them of being behind the killing of the businessman named John Aduol.

Aduol, a local trader, was reportedly kidnapped in his home in Masebula village, Butula sub-county by three armed criminals before he was found dead.

On Friday, the six strangers dressed in black suits and white shirts attended the event but could not explain how they were related to the deceased, according to Western Regional Police Commander Edward Mwamburi.

"Villagers became suspicious when they spotted six clad in black suits. They noticed one of them had a bag and demanded to search it and upon the search, discovered three knives," said Mwamburi.

"The villagers suspected that the six could have been linked to the death of the businessman and descended on them killing them."

The incident happened at Wamasela Primary School where the deceased's body had been taken for viewing ahead of the internment of Saturday.

County Commissioner Narengo said officers had launched investigations into the killings. The identities of the six were not immediately established.

“I urge Kenyans not to take the law into their own hands. There are agencies mandated to deal with suspected criminals,” Narengo said.