This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
On November 14, 2019, a distressing incident occurred in Werugha village, Taita-Taveta County, where a 33-year-old woman's two children were allegedly abducted by her estranged husband.
The mother, Ms. Flora Mwamburi, had moved back to her father's home in Werugha in August 2019 after living with her husband in Bomet County since 2015.
Her estranged husband followed her to Werugha village to convince her to move back in with him, but she refused.
On the day of the incident, the husband visited again, accompanied by a cousin working with security agencies. After being welcomed and entertained by the host, they fled with the children while the mother was busy in the kitchen.
Ms. Mwamburi says they had hired a taxi to drive them away, but the vehicle sped off quickly.
The distraught mother rushed to Wundanyi Police Station, where she reported the matter but was not issued with an OB number until the following day.
She insists that the police should have acted more urgently to intercept the vehicle.
Wundanyi Sub County Police Commander Mr. Onesmus Kombe acknowledged the case and assured the mother that relevant government agencies were doing everything possible to trace the man and the children.
He urged the mother to be patient, stating that it was a sensitive family issue that involves children and parents, and that procedures including getting official reports and directions from the children department were necessary.
Wundanyi Sub-County Children Officer Mr. John Menja said the office had already written a referral letter to the mother to have the case attended to at the children office in Konoin Sub-County in Bomet County.
