Angry crowd murders alleged multiple murderer, disposing of his body in River Yala
In the small town of Yala, Siaya County, Kenya, a tense atmosphere has been lifted following the capture and subsequent lynching of a suspected serial killer, Charles Onyango, also known as "Kwa." Onyango, a 40-year-old man, was wanted for orchestrating a series of killings that had gripped the community for months[1].
The manhunt for Onyango ended on the streets of Kibos, Kisumu County, where he was apprehended after locals provided a tip-off to the authorities[1][5]. He was then transferred to Yala Police Station. However, the situation escalated on the morning after his arrest, when an angry mob demanded Onyango’s release from the police[1][3][4]. In a tragic turn of events, the police complied, and the mob lynched him at the Yala boda boda stage. His body was set on fire[1][3][4].
The lynching of Onyango reflects a breakdown of trust in the formal justice system, with the community taking justice into their own hands due to prolonged fear and frustration caused by the killings[2]. The incident almost resulted in the burning of a DCI vehicle during the incident[1].
The victims of Onyango's alleged crimes include four schoolgirls. Angel Atieno was reported missing by her brother, Harun Otiende, on May 25, 2025. Her body was found by the main road the day after her death[1]. Another teenager, Emma Akinyi, was murdered the day after Angel's death[1]. On July 5, the body of Veronica Odongo, a 46-year-old woman, was found in Ulumbi village[1].
In the aftermath of the lynching, the relatives of Onyango deserted their homes and moved to other unknown places due to fear[1]. The community accuses the family of being involved in a cult[1]. Despite this, some residents, such as Yala Township MCA William Kenyanyi and Charles Onguko, have praised the police for apprehending the suspect[1]. Kenyanyi praised the police for restoring security in Yala, while Onguko expressed gratitude for the capture of the suspected serial killer[1].
The lynching of Charles Onyango serves as a stark reminder of the fear and desperation that can arise in communities affected by violent crimes. The incident also highlights the need for a robust and effective justice system to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
References: 1. Standard Digital 2. Nation 3. The Star 4. K24 5. Daily Nation
- The tense atmosphere in Yala, Siaya County, Kenya, shifted, following a series of events in the local business sector and politics after the lynching of a suspected serial killer, Charles Onyango, also known as "Kwa."
- General news reports have highlighted war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice issues in Yala, as the community's frustration toward the formal justice system escalated, resulting in the lynching of Onyango.
- Car accidents have been on the rise in the Kisumu County area after the tragic lynching incident, reported in epaper publications, leading to a call for stronger traffic control measures in the region.
- In an effort to rebuild trust in the community, general news outlets have been discussing potential solutions to address the root causes of violent crimes in Yala, including improvements in both politics and business sectors, for a safer and more prosperous future.
