11-year-old boy killed after being buried in sand in Mtwapa

According to police, the boy had reportedly gone to school early Wednesday, came back home for lunch but failed to return home later in the evening.

His body was discovered buried in the sand early Thursday. 

Mtwapa Police Commander Hassan Kochale confirmed the incident, noting that the boy’s foster parent had been informed of his death.

“The boy had no visible injuries on his body. However, he had blood around his mouth and his trousers were visibly soiled with faeces,” said Kochale, adding that the boy may have been buried alive.

The officer noted that the boy had been linked to various misdemeanours, including theft in the area, but added that investigations were ongoing to establish facts.

Police noted that the boy’s guardian had on a number of occasions intervened to rescue him from members of the public due to his infractions.

The security authorities have, however, warned Mtwapa residents against taking the law into their own hands and urged members of the community to desist from acts of mob justice.

The body of the deceased was taken to to the Kilifi County Referral Hospital mortuary, awaiting post-mortem examination even as investigations continue.