Francis Wambugu Irungu Residents of Ndugi village in Mbeti sub-location, Kirinyaga Central, are in mourning following the discovery of the body of a six-year-old boy in River Mukengeria, days after he went missing under unclear circumstances on Sunday.
The child’s disappearance triggered an overnight search by villagers that began at approximately 9 p.m. but was suspended in the early hours of Monday morning due to heavy rainfall.
“We searched along roads and in tea plantations but did not find him until we went to sleep after the heavy rains at around 2 a.m.,” recounted resident William Karimi Muchangi.
As dawn broke, the search resumed with renewed urgency, with the entire community setting aside their livelihoods to join the effort.
“Nobody went to work. Everybody went to the tea plantations and other areas to look for the boy,” said Nancy Wanjiku, reflecting the gravity of the situation that had gripped the village.
While the search was ongoing, concerned residents advised the boy’s mother, Caroline Nyawira, to file a report at Kiawakara Police Post. Shortly after, the worst fears of the community were confirmed when the boy’s body was retrieved from the river under deeply troubling circumstances.
“As we were searching, we found his body in River Mukengeria with stones placed near it. We suspect he may have been dumped by unknown people,” said Justin Wachira, whose account sent shockwaves through the village.
The discovery ignited outrage among residents. Led by Kamunyi Gachoki and Esther Muthoni, community members demanded swift investigations and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
“Why would someone kill an innocent boy and dump him in the river? We must work together to ensure the suspect is arrested,” Muthoni said, voicing the anguish of a community in disbelief.
A grieving Nyawira revealed that her son had been staying with his grandmother, Ann Muthoni, while she worked to provide for him. She had returned home specifically to prepare him for the new school term.
“I work to provide for my son. I came back yesterday so he could go back to school. He is in Grade One,” she said, overcome with grief, struggling to comprehend who could have taken the life of her only child.
Local leaders and clergy who convened at the scene condemned the killing and urged police to fast-track investigations. Village elder Nancy Wanjiku implored anyone with information to step forward.
“A child is a blessing. This is not our culture. We will not rest until we know what happened,” she said.
Detectives from Kirinyaga Central confirmed that investigations are underway. The body was transferred to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination.
