Police Arrest Suspect Linked to Missing Class 8 Girl

DCI Boss George Kinoti Speaking during a press conference at DCI headquarters on March 5, 2020.
DCI Boss George Kinoti Speaking during a press conference at DCI headquarters on March 5, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
Kenyans.co.ke

On October 19, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested Marcos Menza Masumbuko alias "Vasco"  as suspect linked with the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl.

According to detectives, the victim, a 13-year-old girl, was lured to the suspect's house, through a social media site. Police stated that they found exam answer sheets that had been marked and graded in Menza's house, with the sleuths stating that the suspect may have posed as a tutor on social media.

Kenyans pictured during a protest.
Kenyans pictured during a protest.
File

According to the police, Masumbuko and the minor cohabited for a period of time before he allegedly facilitated her escape to her aunt's place in Nyakach, Kisumu County.

Police stated that the suspect had disguised himself by shaving off his dreads immediately after a missing child's report was published on October 16. He was later arrested and taken to Mathare Police Depot in Nairobi. 

The DCI cautioned parents to be vigilant in monitoring what sites their children visit on the internet.

The officer stated that the Covid-19 period had provided an opportunity for criminals to come up with devious antics to lure children who have access to electronic gadgets meant for digital learning.

He also issued a strict warning to culprits found taking advantage of or violating the rights of children by exposing them to materials and content that is by law unsuitable for their exposure.

Following the closure of schools in March 2020, parents have been struggling to come to terms with the fact that their children are at risk of disappearing at any moment.

According to a 2019 report by the National Crime and Research Centre, Kenya was ranked 17 out of 19 on the list of countries where child kidnappings are rampant.

Close to 30 cases of missing children are reported every day in Kenya as families battle with thoughts of whether their loved ones are alive or dead.

Children are abducted mainly through an intricate web of deception for example by sneaky tactics used by perpetrators in a bid to lure them on social media.

Their untainted innocence, coupled with their curious demeanor makes them easy targets for criminals.

The Children Act is the primary legislation in Kenya concerned with the rights and protection of children from kidnapping and abduction. 

The Act in section 13 recognizes the rights of a child to protection from physical and psychological abuse, neglect and any other form of exploitation including sale, trafficking or abduction by any person.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters along Kiambu Road
Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters along Kiambu Road
Simon Kiragu
Kenyans.co.ke
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