By Alfred Mataza, July 15, 2026
Rashid Mangala, the Kakamega County Youth Leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), was killed in Busia County after he was allegedly lynched by an angry mob following an attempted break-in at an M-Pesa shop.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when Mangala was allegedly caught inside or attempting to break into the mobile money outlet. The shop attendant reportedly raised an alarm, prompting residents to rush to the scene.
Witnesses said the crowd turned violent, assaulting and stoning the suspect before police officers could arrive. Despite efforts to intervene, Mangala succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Police later recovered the body and launched investigations into both the alleged attempted robbery and the circumstances surrounding the mob justice incident. The body was moved to a local mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that criminal suspects should be handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent challenge of mob justice in parts of Kenya, where suspects are often subjected to violent attacks before they can be processed through the criminal justice system. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that such actions undermine the rule of law and deny suspects the constitutional right to a fair trial.
Following news of Mangala’s death, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala paid tribute to the youthful politician, describing him as a committed party mobilizer and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment.
“We have lost a steadfast supporter, an energetic mobiliser and a courageous young leader who believed in justice and the empowerment of young people. His untimely death is a great loss not only to our party but also to the country,” Malala said.
Malala noted that Mangala had played a key role in mobilizing support for the party across Kakamega County and described him as a promising leader whose potential had been cut short.
While expressing condolences to the family, friends and party supporters, Malala did not comment on the circumstances surrounding the alleged break-in that preceded the lynching.
Police investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident and identify individuals involved in the fatal mob attack.
