Eight-year-old boy dies after alleged assault in Bungoma maize plantation
An eight-year-old boy died after he was allegedly assaulted while collecting maize leftovers from a harvested plantation in Kimilili, Bungoma County.
The incident occurred at Matisi ‘A’ village in Mapela Sub-Location, Kamukuywa Location, on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The deceased, had reportedly gone to collect leftover maize with his 12-year-old friend, from a plantation belonging to their neighbour.
The two boys entered the harvested maize plantation when they were confronted by a man known in the area.
Police said he allegedly chased the boys and caught up with the deceased before seriously assaulting him.
The boy sustained injuries to various parts of his body and later succumbed to the injuries.
His body was found lying in the harvested maize plantation and was reported to police by Mapela Assistant Chief Richard Munialo at around 7:24pm.
Crime Scene Investigation personnel processed the scene before the body was moved to Kimilili Sante Hospital mortuary, where it was preserved pending a postmortem examination.
Police said the deceased had visible injuries all over his body.
The prime suspect was arrested and placed in police custody as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death continued.
Detectives are expected to establish what transpired before the alleged assault and the circumstances that led to the confrontation between the boys and the suspect.
Elsewhere, an 11-year-old girl is feared to have drowned in River Yala in Siaya County while swimming after taking cattle to the river to drink water.
The Grade Six pupil at JM Opidah Comprehensive School, was reportedly swept away by fast-moving waters at around 5pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
According to police the child had accompanied her friend to River Yala in the Kware area of Onding village, Uranga Sub-Location.
The two girls had reportedly taken cattle to the river to drink water before Ashley removed her clothes and entered the river to swim.
Police said the girl was swept away by the fast-moving water.
Family members, members of the public and police officers conducted a joint search along the river in an effort to locate Ashley.
However, the search was unsuccessful, with rescuers unable to locate her body before darkness set in.
The search operation was subsequently suspended and is expected to resume on Monday, September 7.
Police have urged residents, particularly children, to exercise caution around rivers and other water bodies, especially when water levels and currents are dangerous.
The incident has renewed concerns over the risks faced by children who venture into rivers for swimming or other activities during periods of strong currents.
