A couple in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, has been arrested for allegedly subjecting their seven-year-old son to severe abuse after accusing him of stealing and eating fish from their kitchen.
The incident, which occurred in Ramoya village, Kajwang’ Sub-Location, came to light on Monday evening after concerned villagers reported the matter to local authorities.
According to Kajwang’ Assistant Chief Enos Nyawade, who led the arrest, the boy, a Grade Three pupil, suffered serious burns on both hands after his mother reportedly melted plastic bags and forced him to hold his hands beneath the dripping molten plastic.
“We established that the mother set plastic carrier bags on fire and forced the child to place his hands under the melting plastic as punishment,” said Nyawade.
Further investigations revealed that the boy’s father had earlier forced him to eat the entire fish he had allegedly stolen, before the mother inflicted the burns.
Ndhiwa Sub-County Police Commander John Losia confirmed the arrest and stated that the couple is currently in custody at Ndhiwa Police Station. They are expected to be jointly charged with assault and child abuse.
The boy is receiving medical treatment, and the matter has been referred to the Children’s Department for further action.
Written By Rodney Mbua
