Mob burns homestead in Suba West over witchcraft claims in missing child case

According to local authorities, four houses were set ablaze by the angry villagers, including homes belonging to the accused man’s two wives and his sons.

The arson attack was reportedly triggered by a provocative statement allegedly made by the suspect during the family’s search for the missing child, who vanished on June 7 and has yet to be found.

“The suspect is said to have told the family that the boy would not be found, a comment that enraged the community and escalated the situation,” said Deputy County Commissioner Samson Akatch.

Akatch confirmed that the family fled the scene to avoid further violence, as members of the public, armed and angry, descended on their homestead, accusing them of engaging in witchcraft believed to be connected to the child’s disappearance.

“The suspects fled for their safety. The mob destroyed their property and were baying for blood,” he said.

Authorities have since launched a dual investigation—one into the boy’s disappearance and another into the acts of arson carried out by the mob.

Akatch warned residents against resorting to mob justice or taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the need to follow due process.

“While the loss of a child is deeply distressing, we urge the public to allow the police to conduct thorough investigations. Vigilantism only adds to the suffering and undermines justice,” he added.

The boy’s disappearance has shocked the local community, with elders and local leaders calling for calm as investigations proceed. Police are appealing for any information that could help locate the missing child and bring both the perpetrators of the arson and anyone involved in the child’s disappearance to justice.