Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-22 14:46:43
In the Langas Estate of Eldoret, a deep sense of distress and fear has overtaken parents as 32 children have mysteriously disappeared in the past three months. This unprecedented wave of vanishings has left families shattered and communities on edge, as the whereabouts of these missing children remain unknown.
One such heart-wrenching story is that of Eunice Akinyi, a mother whose one-year-old daughter, Witney Awour, went missing on March 3, 2024. Akinyi recalled the chilling events leading to her daughter’s disappearance, noting that Witney was playing with other children near their estate gate when an unfamiliar woman approached. This stranger enticed Witney with promises of sweets and under the guise of asking for directions to Eldoret town, lured the young girl away. Since that moment, neither Witney nor the mysterious woman has been seen again, leaving Akinyi devastated.
Another parent, Josephine Ongachi, shared a similar tragic experience of her daughter Elizabeth suddenly going missing. Elizabeth had been sent to a nearby shop for groceries and had returned promptly. However, when Ongachi called for her daughter later, Elizabeth was nowhere to be found, adding to the alarming pattern of disappearances in the area.
Jaspher Achieng, whose daughter Joyline Imali has been missing for three months, expressed frustration with the lack of progress in locating her child. The emotional toll of the ordeal has taken a heavy toll on her family, with her husband unable to work and her other children struggling in school. Achieng also revealed the dismissive attitude she encountered when seeking help from authorities, including a disturbing incident of alleged sexual harassment from a police officer she approached for assistance.
The distressing trend of child disappearances is not limited to Eldoret, as evidenced by a recent incident in Nakuru County. Caroline Kipnaigei shared the harrowing moments when her 20-month-old child was taken by a maid, sparking concerns about the safety and security of children in the region. Despite efforts to locate them, both the maid and the child were found miles away, raising more questions than answers about their disappearance.
The alarming frequency of child abductions has raised widespread concerns among residents, who fear for the well-being of their loved ones. Josephine Mwihaki recounted the chilling moment when her granddaughter Esther vanished without a trace, leaving the family in a state of uncertainty and despair.
Authorities have acknowledged the seriousness of this issue, with an estimated 6,000 children reported missing annually, translating to 18 children disappearing each day. Legal statutes such as Section 174 (1) (b) of the penal code classify child theft as a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years, emphasizing the gravity of these crimes and the need for swift action to address them.
The stories of these missing children have not only shaken the affected families but have also prompted a broader conversation about child safety and protection in the region. The community is united in their resolve to find these missing children and bring them back to their families, as they seek answers and justice for those who have disappeared without a trace.
Read the original article on Kenyans.co.ke
