Tragedy as Busia boy dies after severe beating from father over 'failure to collect grass'

A family in Bugengi Village, Butula Constituency, Busia County, is mourning the death of a 14-year-old boy who allegedly died after being assaulted by his father.

The deceased, Elvis Odhiambo, a Grade Six pupil, reportedly sustained serious head injuries and was pronounced dead after being rushed to hospital.

His mother, Gladys Adhiambo, said she found her son sitting on the verandah crying shortly before his death. When she asked him what was wrong, she claimed the boy told her that his father had beaten him severely and that he was experiencing intense pain in his head.

According to a relative, Alphonce Onyango, the incident is alleged to have stemmed from a disagreement after the boy was instructed by his father to collect grass thatch but reportedly refused.

Onyango said that before news of the incident spread, he encountered the boy's father leaving the area in a hurry.

"I asked him why he was in such a rush, but he ignored me and continued running," Onyango said.

He added that when he arrived at the family's homestead, he found Elvis in critical condition. The boy was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Neighbours who responded after hearing screams and commotion from the homestead said they found the boy seriously injured. They claimed efforts to save his life were unsuccessful.

Residents further allege that the boy's father fled the village after the incident. They also claim another person who was reportedly present during the events has since disappeared.

The body has been moved to Sega Mortuary in Siaya County, where a post-mortem examination is expected to establish the cause of death.