Sombre mood has engulfed Mwandimu village in Msambweni afte a youth was burnt beyond recognition causing his death for allegedly stealing coconuts.
The deceased is said to have been found on top of a coconut tree attempting to steal coconuts belonging to a family in Majikuko.
His accomplice ran away when the farm owner appeared leaving him at the mercy of the attackers.
Sources have intimated to Coast Times Digital that after being lured to descend from the coconut tree had his legs and hands tied.
“They then poured petrol on him and lit fire. He burnt until passerby saw him and went for his rescue. They took him home instead of hospital at around midnight after the incident,” said one of the neighbours.
The victim is said to have succumbed one day after the incident at their Mwandimu home.
Sources said that he is the fourth person to have been burnt to death for claims of theft in the area.
“One person was burnt for stealing goat and three including him were burnt for allegedly stealing coconut,” said the source.
It is said that coconuts are now fetching from Sh 30 to Sh40 each, since its demand is high in both local and international markets.
Youths were blamed for not getting involved in religious issues in the area.
“We have mosques here but you have refused to go there and this is big shame how we are burying this man it is very unfortunate,” said Mwandimu village chair.
He warned the youthful generation to take life serious and ensure they avoid issues of stealing.
“As we burry our colleague let this be a lesson of you because this is not a good picture for our village,” he added.
It is not clear if police have been informed about the incident.
