Kirinyaga: Villagers mourn after body of missing 6-year-old boy found in River Mukengeria

The child reportedly disappeared under unclear circumstances, prompting an overnight search by villagers. The search, which began at around 9 p.m., extended into the night but was called off at about 2 a.m. due to heavy rains.

“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.,” said resident William Karimi Muchangi.

The search resumed early Monday morning, with residents abandoning their daily activities to comb through nearby areas.

“Nobody went to work. Everybody went to the tea plantations and other areas to look for the boy,” said Nancy Wanjiku.

As the search continued, residents advised the boy’s mother, Caroline Nyawira, to report the matter at Kiawakara Police Post.

The boy’s body was later discovered in the river under circumstances that residents described as suspicious.

“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.

Shocked and angered residents, led by Kamunyi Gachoki and Esther Muthoni, called for swift investigations, with some expressing fears that the child may have been murdered.

“Why would someone kill an innocent boy and dump him in the river? We must work together to ensure the suspect is arrested,” said Muthoni.

Nyawira said the child had been living with his grandmother, Ann Muthoni, and that she had returned home to prepare for his school reopening.

“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 as she questioned who could have killed her only child.

Local leaders and clergy who arrived at the scene condemned the incident and urged police to expedite investigations. They appealed for calm while insisting that those responsible must be brought to justice.

Village elder Nancy Wanjiku called on anyone with information to come forward, saying the community was deeply shaken.

“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 visited the scene shortly after the body was discovered and confirmed that investigations are underway.

The body was taken to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination.