A Kenyan teenager, who was nailed to a tree for allegedly stealing a radio, has pleaded with social media users to stop making fun of his pain. Sambaya
According to 19-year-old Collins Sambaya, the incident was very traumatizing and Kenyans should stop joking about his ordeal.
Sambaya in an interview with local media said: “People should stop comparing me to Jesus or the two thieves who were crucified with him on the cross. I’m a victim of torture”.
“In fact, I believe Jesus saved me from the jaws of death”, Sambaya said, noting that the incident has transformed him and he now wants to go back to school.
“I want to become a useful person in society in the future, after all I went through”.
The teenager, however, maintains that he never stole the $52 worth radio his friends accused him of stealing in the Friday, February 18, 2022 incident.
“Why would I steal a radio when my grandfather owns one and my uncle has at least three of them?”, Sambaya questioned.
Sambaya’s grandfather disclosed that his grandson was nailed to the tree by one Eric Irime and his younger brother who are natives of the area.
Giving an account of what transpired, Sambaya’s grandfather said: “The incident occurred at around 2 pm but I only got wind of the situation at around 5 pm. The suspects came to our home and tricked my grandson into following them into their household where they committed the act.
“My grandson is innocent. A few days ago, the suspects took my grandson to a nearby police station where they reported him for allegedly stealing the said radio. Officers however, freed him after establishing that there was no evidence to support the pair’s allegations”.
Sambaya’s Grandfather
Sambaya’s family now wants police to act swiftly and bring the two suspects to book.
Henry Sambaya, who is the uncle of the victim, touching on the issue said: “Honestly speaking, if the suspects were apprehended quickly, things would have been very different right now. If they do get caught, we would like the matter to be handled by the police. I have heard rumors that the pair might have been spotted nearby, but I am unsure. Local youths are, however, hot on their trails”.
Meanwhile, the two suspects are still nowhere to be found. The police are on the hunt for the main perpetrator, who was identified as Elvis Irime. However, another Vihiga resident, whose name was not mentioned, is also a suspect in this case.
Sambaya was rushed to Itando Mission of Hope and Health Care centre after residents freed him from his predicament.
The incident was witnessed at Chemasili village, Vihiga County. According to some sources, the teenager’s palms were nailed to a tree using two roofing nails.
Police tried to free Sambaya from the crucifixion using a power saw. Their efforts proved successful and Sambaya was later rescued and rushed to Mbale Referral Hospital for treatment. He is currently in a stable condition and is recuperating.
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