Kenyan youths stone man to death after they suspected him of having coronavirus

A group of Kenyan youths have killed a man they suspected had the deadly coronavirus.

The man identified as George Kotini Hezron, was on his way home from a drinking spree in the village of Msambweni in Kwale County when he was attacked on Wednesday at around 9pm

The residents had suspected him of having coronavirus and then attacked him by throwing stones at him before fleeing the scene, according to local media.

Hezron was rushed to Msambweni Subcounty Hospital where he died of his injuries.

Confirming the incident, County police commander Joseph Nthenge said the attackers took advantage of his drunkenness and beat him up, leaving him for dead.

He told Kenyan newspaper The Star: ‘Someone reported that the attackers saw the man staggering. They approached him, started an argument and beat him up.

‘Kotini met a group of youths and an argument ensued as the youths took advantage of his drunkenness and started accusing him of suffering from coronavirus.’

The Sub-County police boss also disclosed that no arrest has been made but they have launched investigation.

“No arrests have been made but we have launched investigations into the matter,” he said.

Kenya’s health ministry has so far confirmed seven cases of coronavirus.