The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a stern condemnation of mob justice, warning that citizens taking the law into their own hands undermines Kenya's justice system and risks plunging the country into anarchy. "It is unacceptable for individuals to act as arresting agency, jury, and executioner," said NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga during a press briefing. "Our Constitution, under Article 50, presumes every suspect innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Mob justice disregards this fundamental principle, eroding the rule of law." Nyaga urged Kenyans to respect legal processes, emphasizing that mob justice is not only illegal but also frequently results in the victimization of innocent people, often due to mistaken identity or unverified accusations. "Obedience to our laws and institutions is the dignified approach, not emotional or impulsive responses to crime.
Such acts can spiral into lawlessness and disorder, threatening the very fabric of our society," he stated.
He further cautioned that engaging in mob justice is a criminal offense, punishable under the law, with perpetrators facing charges such as assault, murder, or incitement.
