The lifeless body of a middle-aged man was found inside an electronics shop in Mwingi, Kitui on Friday morning. Owner Mulinge Kituo made the grim discovery at 7:15am and notified police, unsure if the man was alive or dead.
Inspector Reuben Kililo arrived to find the gypsum ceiling collapsed where the man had attempted to break in from the roof. “CCTV shows him climbing up around 11:40pm. As he moved across, the fragile roof gave way,” said Kililo.
The man fell head-first onto the hard floor below. The CCTV recorded his pained writhing for 10 minutes before falling still. A post-mortem found the cause of death was severe head trauma from the impact. Kituo, shaken by the scene, said: “I noticed the broken ceiling and body under it. A horrible way to die for trying to steal.” Neighbors sympathized but warned of burglary dangers, with the economy pushing some to crime.
Police are working to identify next-of-kin to inform them. Kililo said the case highlights criminal risks, advising alternatives to theft. Mental health support was also offered to Kituo, still processing the unsettling discovery. Locals mourned the tragic loss of life while deterring others from similar actions. With challenges, they encourage seeking aid through legal and community channels instead.
