Child rapes, killings prompt police probe

Police in Kakamega County are investigating cases of murder and defilement of minors.

In the past one year, at least 10 girls have gone missing from their homes.

Their bodies have been found dumped in maize and sugar cane farms and in some cases, dismembered.

The incidents have raised questions about the emergence of bizarre crimes in the populous region.

Likuyani, Lugari, Shinyalu, Butere and Lurambi areas are the most affected.

FOUND DEAD
The killings have triggered panic and fear among parents, even as police are accused of releasing suspects before they are charged.

In the latest incident, an 11-year-old pupil at Township Primary School in Lugari Sub-County never returned home after she was sent to a kiosk last Saturday.

The Standard Three girl, Brenda Mwavaka, was sent by her mother, Judith Khakai, to buy sugar. That was the last time she was seen alive.

Her body was found dumped in a maize farm three days later after a search by her parents and neighbours.

The body was found by a villager cutting grass near the farm. Village elder Francis Alutsango said he was called and rushed to the scene before calling the police.
“The little girl’s body had visible injuries and had been left in the maize farm. It appeared the attacker defiled the girl before strangling her,” Mr Alutsango said.

LOST FOR WORDS
Brenda’s mother mourned: “We do not know who killed our daughter, but what has happened has left us devastated.” Her husband was lost for words.

Western region Police Chief Moses Ombati said initial investigations indicated that the suspect in Brenda’s murder had a criminal record and was reported to be of unsound mind.

Lugari Deputy Police Commander Simeon ole Nkiti asked parents not to send their young children to shops and markets unaccompanied early in the morning and late in the evening.

In August, a girl, 8, was found murdered and her body dumped in a sugar cane farm in Butere constituency.