This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
On October 21, 2019, a 1.5-year-old boy, Lean Murerwa, lost his life in a tragic incident in Magutuni village, Maara Sub County, Tharaka-Nithi County.
According to County Commissioner Beverly Opwora, the boy was rushed to Magutuni Sub-County hospital by his mother and 25-year-old husband on Monday, but was confirmed dead upon arrival.
During an investigation, medics discovered that the boy had suffered serious injuries to his anus.
Commissioner Opwora stated that the hospital alerted the police after noticing the injuries, and upon interrogation, the officers suspected the boy's father, Derrick Muchiri, to be the main culprit.
The suspect, who is also a suspected drug addict, is currently assisting the police with investigations and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.
Commissioner Opwora noted that the region has seen a rise in cases of defilement and child abuse, which she attributed to drug abuse and illicit brew consumption.
As part of efforts to combat these issues, security officers in the region have intensified a crackdown, resulting in the arrest of 147 drug peddlers and brewers and the recovery of over 10,000 litres of illicit brew in the last two months.
© 2019 Nairobi Wire