A woman accused of child theft in Eldoret has shocked a courtroom after admitting that she bought a six-year-old boy for Ksh.30,500 from another woman. The suspect, identified as Monicah Kwamboka, told the Eldoret Principal Magistrate that she bought the boy because she was unable to conceive after losing her first child.
Kwamboka pleaded with the court to release her, promising to bring forward the woman who sold her the boy. She claimed her aunt had linked her to the alleged seller, who lives in Langas estate, Eldoret. According to court records, the child, a Grade One pupil, was stolen on May 16, 2024, from Langas, an informal settlement area in Uasin Gishu County.
During the hearing, the child’s biological mother, Abscondita Azenga, broke down in tears as she narrated how her son went missing more than a year ago. She told the court that she had searched endlessly for him until she received a call from Langas Police Station, asking her to identify a photograph of a boy recovered during investigations. Upon viewing the photo, Azenga confirmed that it was indeed her lost son.
The prosecution has since requested the court to order a DNA test to confirm the biological relationship between the child, the accused, and the complainant. The test is expected to be carried out at the government chemist in Kisumu County.
The Principal Magistrate directed that the minor be placed at a private rescue centre in Pioneer estate, Eldoret, where he will remain under protection until the case is concluded. The court also ordered that the DNA results be presented during the next mention of the case, scheduled for October 29, 2025.
Meanwhile, Kwamboka will remain in custody at Langas Police Station. The court noted that the matter is sensitive, involving the welfare of a minor, and must be handled with utmost care.
The incident has reignited public concern about rising cases of child trafficking and illegal adoptions in the country. Authorities have been urged to strengthen community vigilance and enforce stricter measures against child trade networks operating in informal settlements.
If confirmed by DNA results, the case could lead to serious criminal charges against those involved, including the alleged seller, who remains at large.
