Angry mob nearly lynch Mwingi woman for stealing over 300 water jerrycans

By , K24 Digital
On Fri, 16 Sep, 2022 06:00 | < 1 min read
Some of the stolen water jerrycans found in the woman's house in Mavoko area, Mwingi town. PHOTO/Linah Musangi
Some of the stolen water jerrycans found in the woman's house in Mavoko area, Mwingi town. PHOTO/Linah Musangi

A middle-aged woman in Mavoko area of Mwingi town has escaped the wrath of an angry mob after being found in possession of over 300 twenty-litre water jerrycans which were alleged to have been stolen from different water vendors in Mwingi town.

Mavoko village elder, Florence Munanye said the accused has had this trait for a long time.

"I informed that Peninah Mumbe had been caught by members of the public with hundreds of water jerry cans and although she has the trait of stealing jerry cans from vendors, I had to confirm first," she said.

On arrival at the house of the accused, she found ten of her jerrycans that had gotten lost several months ago.

Vendors then gathered and the majority took away their jerrycans.

The vendors said when they leave their jerrycans at water kiosks, they find them missing upon returning to the kiosk.

Mwikali Muema, a vendor said Mumbe, who is also a water vendor had embarrassed them.

"She not only steals jerry cans from vendors, but also from locals who come to queue at water kiosks in search of water," she added.

She also said they have incurred losses as their customers' jerry cans are stolen from the queues and are forced to pay them.

John Kamote said he has lost over 50 jerrycans in one year.

Peninah, the accused pleaded for forgiveness adding she has nothing to offer to those whose jerry cans went missing.

"I plead for forgiveness and do not report me to the authority," she begged.

Mwingi town has a history of water scarcity where vendors queue with their jerry cans to fetch water.

A single jerrycan trades between Ksh30 and Ksh50, especially in dry periods.

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