A 12-year-old boy from Nyamgun area in Seme sub-county, Kisumu County, has tragically died after his mother allegedly set him on fire following an argument over Sh150. The boy, identified only as BO, suffered severe burns on 90% of his upper torso, hands, and groin, and succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning while receiving treatment at Kombewa County Hospital.
The incident occurred on Monday night, when the boy was discovered engulfed in flames by concerned neighbours. They managed to extinguish the fire and rushed him to the hospital. Police investigations revealed that the altercation between the mother and her son had begun over a missing Sh150, which the boy was accused of stealing. According to reports, the mother, aged 47, allegedly poured kerosene on the boy and set him on fire in a fit of rage.
Witnesses reported a history of petty thefts involving the boy, which may have further fueled the violent confrontation. Police indicated that the child had been known for stealing small amounts of money from his mother, but the tragic outcome of this particular dispute has shocked the community.
Detectives from Kombewa Police Station, along with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Seme, visited the scene of the crime and the hospital where the boy had been treated. They recovered a partially burnt blue T-shirt belonging to the victim, which was found at the scene. The boy’s mother was arrested and is currently in police custody. She is expected to be arraigned in court, where she will face charges related to her son’s death.
The community has expressed outrage over the incident, with many struggling to comprehend the severity of the mother’s actions. Meanwhile, the boy’s body has been taken to the Kombewa County Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and child abuse, sparking conversations on the need for better protection for vulnerable children and stricter consequences for those who harm them.
