Police in Siaya County are investigating the death of an 14-year-old Grade 8 pupil who allegedly took his own life in Agoro Tula village, Olwa Sub-location, following an accusation of mobile phone theft.

​The deceased, identified as Rodgers Ouma, was found hanging by a rope in an abandoned compound in the village after missing from his home.

​Confirming the incident, Olwa Sub-location Assistant Chief Joshua Ombago said he received a report from a neighbor who discovered the body at the deserted homestead.

​According to Mr. Ombago, preliminary findings indicate that the pupil was recently found in possession of a neighbor’s missing mobile phone. Fearing severe disciplinary consequences after an uncle allegedly threatened to burn him over the incident, the boy fled and subsequently took his life.

​Ouma had been residing with his stepmother prior to the incident.

​Police officers visited the scene and moved the body to the Siaya County Referral Hospital mortuary, where it awaits an official post-mortem examination as investigations into the matter continue.