Juja residents raise alarm over cases of children going missing

According to the residents, at least four children have allegedly been abducted from Maraba and Muthaara within the past two weeks. Two of the children were later found alive, while the circumstances surrounding the other cases remained unclear as of Wednesday.

The residents cited a recent incident involving a Grade Nine pupil who was allegedly abducted on Monday while running an errand to a nearby shop in Maraba after being sent by her mother. The child was reportedly found later that night in Kimuchu village in Kiganjo area, Thika, several kilometres from her home.

They accused police of failing to act decisively despite repeated reports, saying the lack of visible patrols had heightened fear and anxiety among families in the area.

In an effort to draw attention to the issue, residents on Wednesday staged protests along sections of the Thika Superhighway, briefly disrupting traffic for about 30 minutes. The demonstrators demanded increased police patrols, swift investigations and the arrest of individuals suspected to be involved in child trafficking.

Some residents warned that continued inaction could escalate tensions within the community.

Traffic along the highway resumed after police intervened and restored calm.