Police in Kisumu County have detained a 47-year-old woman accused of setting her 12-year-old son on fire after he was suspected of stealing Ksh.150.
The boy, who suffered burns covering 90 percent of his body, died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at Kombewa Sub-County Hospital.
Authorities say the incident took place in the Nyamgun area of Seme sub-county. Witnesses reported that the woman, identified as Jacinter Akinyi, doused her son with kerosene before igniting the flames.
Neighbours rushed to the scene and managed to save the child, who was taken to hospital with severe injuries to his upper body, arms and groin. Despite efforts by doctors, he did not survive.
Police officers later recovered a partially burnt shirt believed to have belonged to the victim.
Seme Sub-County Police Commander confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspect is being held at a local station and is expected to appear in court. “We have the suspect in custody. She will be arraigned to face charges once investigations are complete,” the officer said.
The tragedy has stirred anger and grief in the community, where residents are calling for justice and questioning how such violence could erupt over a small sum of money.
Child protection groups in the region have also condemned the killing, describing it as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to safeguard children from abuse at home.
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