Residents of Shitungu village in Kakamega are mourning the death of a nine-year-old Ismail Shukkar, who was found murdered and his body dumped in a shallow tunnel.
The deceased had reportedly gone missing for two days before his body was recovered on Sunday, with his mother Saida Rajab suspecting an abduction and murder.
She said that the boy didn't return after leaving for Madrassa in Kakamega Town on Saturday morning, after which some persons called her demanding for ransom.
The incident was confirmed by Kakamega County Police commander Wilkister Verah.
Ms Verah said that her officers have since arrested a suspect who was last seen with the boy, while a manhunt for the remaining suspects continues.
“The boy’s mother reported the incident to the police after she was called by a man who was demanding a Sh50,000 ransom before he could release the boy. Unfortunately, the boy has been found murdered. We have arrested one suspect for questioning,” the police boss was quoted by the Nation.
Residents said that this is the second such incident of murder to happen in the region in one month, and are now blaming area chief and village elders for being lazy.
They claimed that criminals have been hiding in thickets before pouncing on women and children.
"We need the police and the county commissioner to intervene. Criminals hide in the bush and attack children and women,” said a resident.
A fortnight ago, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i deployed a contingent of GSU officers to the region following a series of murders at Matungu.