Residents at Kericho’s bustling main market were left shocked after a suspected thief dramatically collapsed while trying to escape moments after allegedly stealing money from a trader’s stall.
Witnesses say the incident happened on Tuesday morning when the man, believed to be in his early thirties, grabbed a small bag from a vegetable vendor and attempted to flee through the crowded market paths. However, just a few metres away from the stall, he suddenly fell to the ground, drawing the attention of traders and shoppers.
According to several eyewitnesses, the man struggled to stand up as curious onlookers surrounded him. Some traders claimed the suspect began pleading for forgiveness, saying he felt a strange force preventing him from escaping.
“The man tried to run but he suddenly collapsed. He kept saying something was holding him down and begged people to forgive him,” said a trader who witnessed the unusual scene.
The incident quickly drew a large crowd, with many market vendors expressing shock over the dramatic turn of events. Some residents speculated that the man may have been affected by fear or guilt, while others linked the strange occurrence to spiritual justice practices sometimes believed to expose wrongdoing.
Within minutes, the suspected thief reportedly admitted taking the bag and returned the stolen money to the trader while still on the ground. Market elders later intervened to calm the growing crowd and urged people not to take matters into their own hands.
Local traders said theft incidents have occasionally troubled the busy market, making the dramatic confession even more surprising.
“This market is usually peaceful, but sometimes thieves target traders. What happened today shocked everyone,” another vendor explained.
After returning the stolen property, the suspect was escorted away from the scene by a group of elders as the crowd slowly dispersed.
While the exact cause of the sudden collapse remains unclear, the unusual incident quickly spread through nearby streets and trading centres, with many residents discussing what they described as a mysterious and dramatic moment at the busy market.
