Eric Wafula: Tragedy Strikes as Former New Mathare FC Star Killed in Phone Snatch Scuffle

• The former goalkeeper of New Mathare Football Club, Eric Wafula, tragically died along with his friend when they were accused of stealing a mobile phone.
• According to an official from the John Saga Police Station, the youth had encountered similar issues previously; however, his notoriety shielded him this time.
• People in Kenya, upon hearing about his passing, deeply lamented the loss of the football player, stating that resorting to mob justice for someone who had taken a mobile phone was not an appropriate response.

Mathare, Nairob A former player from the New Mathare Football Club, identified as Eric Wafula, tragically passed away after being attacked by a group of people who were administering mob justice. He was reportedly beaten with kicks and punches because he had allegedly stolen a mobile phone.

What did the John Saga police say regarding the death?

As reported by Nation, Wafula also known as Jagoal or Norlan was tragically mobbed along with an unidentified companion.

At the Nairobi Funeral Home, the remains were identified as 'two unidentified adult males.' Wafula was well-known within football circles due to his skills, and a police officer from the John Saga station expressed sorrow over the unfortunate demise of his life.

"The recognition he gained through his abilities repeatedly helped him escape dangerous circumstances," the officer mentioned, further disclosing that he had been rescued from perilous scenarios beneath.

What was the reaction of Kenyans to this story?

Honey Musinde:

What a charming fellow, oh no.

Javin Son:

We cannot pass judgment on either side until we understand the complete narrative behind why he was attacked by the crowd.

Jessy Njau:

Every form of existence holds value. There’s no acceptable justification for ending a life. Since you didn’t bestow life upon another being, you shouldn’t extinguish it. We possess frameworks and procedures capable of addressing disagreements; however, these must never include the act of taking a life. Reverence for life ought to consistently lead us.

Davy Oleanimal:

May Almighty God watch over our youth and guide them to always choose the right path.

Emmah Otieno:

We cry out as a nation to God... Our gaze turns upward to You, who knows the depths of every heart.... We plead with You, Lord have compassion 😭😭😭😭😭😭. No matter the cause of his passing, we continue to seek Your mercy for these young individuals, God grant us Your kindness; even amidst anger, may forgiveness reign supreme. This isn’t the moment to claim ‘their time had come.’ When such youthful lives are lost so suddenly, it’s far from ordinary, and everyone shares this sorrow, along with countless others across the land. My heart hurts deeply, Aki.

Youssouf Maina

And so a telephone could cost someone their life... indeed, what kind of world do we inhabit?

Eriko Da Silver:

Why does mob justice immediately resort to killing without conducting an investigation first? Personally, I find even slaughtering a chicken quite distressing.

Two individuals grieve over deaths totaling KSh 20

In yet another tale, a dispute regarding a KSh 20 mutura debt in Umoja 3, Nairobi, had a devastating outcome leading to the death of two individuals.

A man reportedly assaulted another individual while repairing his funds, causing the latter to lose consciousness. The victim was subsequently declared deceased at Mama Lucy Hospital.

Angry locals stormed towards the debtor as part of a vigilante action.