BUNGOMA, Kenya — Detectives have launched investigations into a string of deaths reported across Bungoma, Kisumu, Bomet, and Kilifi counties, including the tragic drowning of a one-and-a-half-year-old boy in Kituli village.
Police said the toddler was reported missing from his home before he was later traced to an uncovered family borehole, where he had drowned. Western Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud said it remains unclear how the child wandered off, adding that officers are pursuing all leads.
The boy’s parents told police he had been playing outside before straying into a neighbour’s compound on Wednesday evening. The body was recovered and taken to the mortuary for a post-mortem.
In a separate incident in Sacho village, Kapsokwony, an 80-year-old woman was found dead inside her house on Wednesday afternoon. A neighbour, who became alarmed after failing to see her for most of the day, discovered the body and alerted authorities. Police moved the body to the mortuary as investigations began.
Elsewhere in Kisumu County, detectives are probing the killing of a scrap metal dealer whose decomposing body was discovered along a backstreet in Holo Market. The victim, identified as Rogers Shishiali, had been working at a local scrap yard.
Preliminary assessments suggest he may have been killed elsewhere before his body was dumped at the scene. Police say the motive of the killing remains unknown.
Meanwhile, police in Kapletundo, Bomet County, have arrested a suspect linked to the July 23, 2025, death of Cyrus Kiplangat during an altercation. The suspect was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday as investigators sought more time to hold him for questioning.
In Kilifi County, a 43-year-old man, Rashid Fodo, died at Kilifi Hospital on Wednesday from injuries sustained on October 16 during a confrontation at a palm den in Gede, Watamu.
Police say the case is being treated as a suspected murder and that additional suspects are being pursued. The body has been moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy.
The incidents have prompted fresh calls from local leaders and residents for stronger community safety measures and faster response to violent incidents across the region.
