Residents of Shauri Moyo in Kisumu alerted police officers after learning that their neighbours on several occasions had been giving their 4-year-old son a local brew known as ‘Chang’aa’.
The neighbours had on Sunday, February 26, seen the intoxicated boy struggling to walk and questioned the mother over the matter.
In a video shared online, the boy was seen wailing painfully as he struggled to walk and get into a basin to take a bath.
The mother of the 4-year-old was captured standing by the entrance of their house as neighbours questioned her over her son’s behavior.
Officers from the Children’s department were alarmed by the matter and immediately sent a representative, Hellen Apiyo, to conduct further investigations.
Apiyo reported that the child had been given the local brew on several occasions for months before it was reported to the authorities.
“It is saddening that a woman and her husband are giving their 4yr old child alcohol.
“We were also surprised when we were told this has been happening for a very long time,” Apiyo stated.
Apiyo further appealed to the residents to immediately report such cases to the police adding that they ought to be dispensed expeditiously.
“I am asking all neighbors to always alert the relevant authorities when they witness such acts whether it is done deliberately by the parents or not,” added Apiyo
Police officers had since arrested the mother and father of the minor, who were being held at Kondele Police Station awaiting arraignment in court.
Kisumu County Police commissioner who confirmed the arrest, Josephine Ouko, added that police and officers from the children’s department had taken the 4year old to Mama Ngina children’s home.
