Police in Seme, Kisumu County, are holding a 47-year-old woman accused of setting her 12-year-old son ablaze, leading to his death, after he allegedly stole Ksh.150.
The suspect, identified as Jacinter Akinyi, is reported to have doused her son with kerosene before igniting the fire at their home in Nyamgun area.
Neighbors rushed to the scene after hearing the boy’s screams and managed to rescue him, rushing him to Kombewa Sub-County Hospital.
Also Read
Doctors revealed that the boy had sustained 90 percent burns to his upper body, hands, and groin.
Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Police officers who visited the scene recovered a partially burnt shirt believed to have been worn by the victim during the incident.
Confirming the arrest, police stated that the suspect is being detained at Seme Police Station and will be arraigned in court.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who described it as cruel and inhumane, urging authorities to ensure justice for the minor.