Disquiet rock Bungoma as kidnappers target minors
Numerous cases of kidnapping have been reported in Bungoma county where children are taken hostage and released in mysterious ways.
According to reports, minors were abducted one morning as they were walking to school in two different occasions that have been reported over the course of two weeks in Kanduyi constituency.
Fearful parents have urged police to act quickly and detain those suspected of being responsible for the “regular” captures since the abductions have intensified tension in the area.
Joseph Ondoro, Bungoma Criminal Investigations boss said law enforcers have launched probe into the incidents, asking guardians and teachers to remain vigilant and report any suspect linked to the kidnappings.
We are working with boda boda operators to establish the motive behind the kidnappings,” Ondoro stated noting that they have received important leads.
He reported that on Thursday morning, a 13-year-old child was kidnapped close to Uwanja Ndege in the outskirts of Bungoma town.
“We are waiting for the youngster to get over his shock so he can offer information that will lead to the arrest of the abductors,” Ondoro said.
According to the child’s mother, Millicent Makokha, the child is traumatised and afraid to speak up.
“My son was abducted by strangers outside our gate as he was making his way to school. Before they sped off on a motorcycle with him, they drugged him,” she said.
Millicent noted that a good samaritan later discovered her child unconscious in a ditch near Chebukwa in Kabuchai constituency about noon, 10 kilometers from their house and took him to Bungoma Referral Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The catastrophic incident has triggered parents and locals to call upon the police to enforce morning and evening patrols.
