The County Government of Tharaka Nithi has raised alarm over the rising number of children being abandoned under suspicious circumstances, amid fears that a criminal syndicate may be operating either within the county or using it as a dumping ground.
This follows what appears to be the work of a vicious child trafficking and murder ring, with six children found dead in the county over the last two months alone, triggering panic and concern among officials and residents.
According to the County Gender and Children's Chief Officer, Kelly Rwigi, the trend has left the devolved unit in shock, as authorities struggle to determine whether they are dealing with an organised criminal network or a cult with deeper motives.
"This month and last month, we have had over six cases of children who were found dead. What we are not able to know is whether the cases could be cult-related or just plain cases of individuals who want to get rid of children," Rwigi stated.
She added that only one child had been found alive so far, with the rest being discovered after they had already died. "We want to ask the investigative agencies to come to our rescue and tell us who is behind these. The main issue here is that this seems to be along a particular gender—the boy child."
Rwigi further appealed to investigative agencies to respond urgently, warning that the disturbing trend threatens to destabilise the county’s safety and social fabric.
She also urged locals to volunteer any information that could help authorities trace those behind the abandonment and killings, noting that community intelligence would be key in breaking the emerging network.
In a strong warning, the county government also cautioned those ferrying children into the area with ill intent that it would not hesitate to take stern action against anyone found culpable.
A toll-free number—1513—was made available to the public to report any such cases or suspicious activities involving children.
All of the abandoned children, both dead and alive, have been dumped near the Bonanza Children’s Home in Chuka, raising questions about whether the location is being deliberately targeted.
In February 2019, Nakuru County was in the spotlight after its enforcement officers allegedly dumped 41 street children in Chemusus Forest in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, on Wednesday night.
Reports indicated that the officers rounded up the street urchins aged between 12 and 26 and promised to take them to school before bundling them into waiting vehicles.
