Residents of Bomet County are demanding justice following the tragic death of 13-year-old Emmanuel Kimutai, a Grade Six pupil, who was beaten to death by his father over a dispute involving bread and milk. The incident occurred in Rongena Manaret on Thursday, September 11, 2025, just a day before Emmanuel was set to attend his school’s Prayer Day.
Emmanuel’s death has left the community in shock and mourning. On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, hundreds of mourners gathered at his burial site in Chebunyo, Bomet County, to pay their respects. The sorrowful ceremony also served as a platform for residents to call for justice, with many voicing their outrage over the senseless violence that led to the young boy’s untimely death.
The father, who was arrested and arraigned in Bomet Law Courts on the same day as Emmanuel’s funeral, allegedly became enraged over the boy’s consumption of bread and milk. The father’s actions have sparked widespread condemnation, as the community struggles to comprehend how such a trivial issue could escalate to a fatal act of violence.
An autopsy conducted at Kapkatet Hospital in Kericho revealed the extent of Emmanuel’s injuries. The primary cause of death was found to be asphyxiation due to severe chest congestion, which made breathing difficult. Further examination showed that the boy had suffered significant internal injuries, including a ruptured blood vessel in the brain and a damaged spleen. These injuries, combined with respiratory failure, led to what doctors described as a “fatal cascade” of events that ultimately claimed his life.
During the emotional burial, mourners expressed disbelief that a child’s life could be taken over something as insignificant as bread. Many emphasized the need for parents to resolve conflicts in peaceful ways, particularly in the face of challenges. Local leaders, including area Member of Parliament Victor Koech, vowed to support Emmanuel’s mother by providing her with a plot of land to construct a new home.
The tragic incident has become a rallying cry for residents of Bomet, urging parents to find non-violent solutions to family disputes. The community’s response highlights the need for greater awareness and intervention in preventing such tragedies from occurring
