Cime; Grieving Family Speaks Out After Suspected Criminals Lynched in Kwale

The family of one of the two suspected criminals killed by an enraged mob at Kombani Market in Kwale County has broken their silence about the tragic incident.  

Titus Mumo, 24, also known as Tito, and his accomplice Mwinyi Babu were reportedly lynched after being accused of involvement in a series of robberies in Kwale and Mombasa counties. The two men, known for their criminal activities, were said to have fled the area following the alleged crimes.  

Tito’s grieving mother, Elizabeth Marinda, spoke from her home in Mtaa wa Mbuzi, Timbwani, in Likoni. Marinda, who is paralyzed, recounted how her son’s life took a downward spiral while he was a Form Four student at Tumaini Secondary School. Despite numerous attempts by Tito’s father, Mumo Kioko, to reform him, Tito continued down a troubled path.  

"Tito was the last born in a family of eight," Marinda explained, her voice heavy with emotion. "His life changed completely when he was in high school. Even though his father tried to guide him, he refused to listen."  

She confirmed that Tito’s first brush with the law occurred while he was still in school. He was arrested and jailed but later released when witnesses failed to appear in court.

The heartbroken mother described the devastating moment she saw her son’s body.  

"They brought his body for me to see before burial," she said. "They carried me to the entry gate because I couldn’t walk. My son’s head was crushed, and I didn’t even see his whole body. It was unbearable."  

Marinda lamented her inability to prevent Tito from straying into crime due to her condition.  

"It’s extremely painful for a parent to lose a child in such a horrifying manner," she said. "If I could walk, I wouldn’t have allowed him to engage in such activities. His father did his best, but Tito wouldn’t listen."  

The mob attack followed a spate of robberies that reportedly left five people seriously injured in Likoni.  

Mwinyi Babu, Tito’s long-time friend and neighbor, had additional legal troubles, including an ongoing court case where he was accused of defiling a minor.  

The deaths of the two men have sparked mixed reactions in the community, with some condemning mob justice while others view the lynching as a warning against criminal behavior that have risen in Likoni and Mombasa county at large.

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