This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
On October 24, 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded in Kisumu, where a 14-year-old boy's fingers were allegedly burned by his father and stepmum over a lost mobile phone.
The boy, a Class 8 pupil, was set to sit for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exam the following week.
According to Nyando Police Boss Leonard Matete, both parents were questioned on suspicion that they conspired to commit the crime.
The boy's mother had passed away when he was just one month old, and he had been living with his father and stepmum.
It is alleged that Rose Akoth, the stepmum, wrapped her step-son's hand with newspaper, tied it, and poured paraffin before setting it ablaze.
Police took the boy to hospital and he is to be moved to a children rescue centre for observation before he sits for the KCPE examinations.
Leonard Matete, the police boss, stated that Akoth and her husband Ojoro Omuya allegedly intended to hide the incident and even coached the boy on what to say.
