Two people died following a violent knife attack and subsequent mob justice incident in Maramtu area, Bangale Sub-County, Tana River County.
Police said the incident happened on March 16, 2026 and began when a man identified as Ismail Abdi Osman Bayata, 32, allegedly launched a series of attacks in the area.
The suspect first attacked a motorcyclist who was riding from Madogo towards Maramtu. The assailant is said to have fatally stabbed the rider using a knife.
He then proceeded to a nearby mosque during evening prayers, where he reportedly began attacking worshippers indiscriminately.
In the chaos, one worshipper, Yunis Ibrahim, 24, sustained stab wounds to the back and was rushed for medical attention.
Worshippers managed to overpower the attacker and, in retaliation, lynched him on the spot.
Authorities indicated that the attacker was reportedly suffering from a mental illness and had been undergoing treatment at Garissa County Referral Hospital.
The bodies of the deceased, both bearing visible injuries, were moved to Garissa Level Five County Referral Hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.
Police have launched investigations into the incident, which has once again raised concerns over mob justice and mental health awareness in the region.
Cases of mob lynching are on the rise in the country amid efforts to address the trend. Police say up to five cases are reported daily in separate places. Mental health issues are also on the rise amid efforts to address them.
The World Health Organization attributes suicide to factors such as joblessness, bereavement, academic pressure, legal and financial difficulties, bullying, substance abuse, depression and bipolar disorder, as well as previous suicide attempts and family history.
Meanwhile, at least 14 people were killed in separate road accidents in the country on Monday dawn.
Police said the victims included five riders, three passengers, three pillion passengers, two pedestrians and a pedal cyclists.
Police said the accidents left 29 people with serious injuries. The victims were admitted to hospitals for attention.
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