Police in Kajiado have detained a couple for allegedly inflicting serious body injuries on their three- year- old son.
Faith Wanjau, the child’s stepmother and her husband, Michael Kamau, residents of Ilbissil town, were arrested after health officials administering the polio vaccine discovered the body injuries on the minor.
The boy had visible scars on his face and body and his private parts. Upon interrogation, it was discovered that the injuries had been inflicted by the cruel parents.
The health officials reported the matter to the police who arrested the two suspects and detained them at Kajiado Police Station as investigations into the incident commenced.
According to neighbors, the couple has been locking up the boy in the house, feeding him on his own faeces and beating him constantly.
Elizabeth Simiyu, a neighbor said they normally hear the boy crying but do not suspect he was undergoing abuse.
She said the boy is normally locked inside the house by his parents and is hardly seen playing outside with other children.
Peter Ewoi, a ‘Nyumba Kumi’ elder condemned the incident and commended the health officials for spotting the abuse and reporting it as it helped save the minor’s life.
He urged neighbors not to keep quiet when they suspect any cases of child abuse but report to police or Nyumba Kumi elders for immediate action to be taken.
“We are shocked by this incident; it is commendable the officers administering polio vaccine discovered the injuries on the small boy and reported to the police. I urge all locals not to keep quiet but report any cases of abuse to us or the police so as to save a life,” said Ewoi.
Daniel Sankale, a Clinical Officer at Ilbissil Health Center where the boy was rushed said he had sustained serious injuries on his private parts which were oozing out a discharge and had visible scars on his face, mouth, stomach, back and legs.
Kajiado Central Sub-county Police Commander, Daudi Loronyokwe, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing and the couple would be arraigned in court to face child endangerment and abuse charges.
By Rop Janet
