Just days after angry locals of Bendera area in Kapenguria, West Pokot County ambushed, torched houses belonging to suspects believed to have abducted and murdered a seven-year-old boy, another massive protest is loading after a horrifying confession by 12 suspects arrested and detained at Kapenguria Police Station.
Protected sources who spoke to TV47 have confirmed that the 12 suspects allegedly admitted to abducting, killing, and consuming eight children over the years.
“It’s true they confessed to eating eight boys, but we are yet to find human remains to support the claims,” said Daniel Musangi, the County Criminal Investigations Officer.
“We are preparing to excavate a toilet suspected to be used to dispose of bones and human body parts,” he added.
According to police sources, the suspects are said to be Ugandan nationals and from Gishu community whose origin is majorly in parts of Bududa in Mbale-Uganda.
These horrifying and shocking details have triggered violent protests in the area as angry residents on Saturday July 5, 2025, blocked the Kapenguria-Lodwar highway at Bendera demanding that police hand over the suspects to face mob justice.
Inside the ruins, we uncovered hundreds of children’s clothes, including school uniforms, exercise books, and shoes, leading many to believe the victims were school-going children abducted while traveling to or from school.
Efforts by Kapenguria OCS Evans Omanga and Assistant County Commissioner Emily Ogolla to calm the situation were thwarted as angry residents pelted police with stones and refused to clear the road.
Musangi confirmed that authorities were seeking a court order to allow them to excavate the toilet and secure forensic evidence.
“We’ve detained the suspects. We also have intelligence that a prime suspect escaped to Uganda, and we are working with authorities to apprehend him,” he added.
“Unfortunately, locals interfered with the crime scene when they torched the house, which has slowed down the investigation.”
Cheptana Elizabeth, a mother who lost her son in 2006, broke down in tears after identifying her child’s clothing among the pile.
“My son Elijah Longolomoi disappeared on a Sunday in November 2006 after going to church. We never saw him again,” she said.
“I’ve kept hope alive for years. Now I’ve seen his clothes—this is unbearable.”
As fear and anger continue to grip Bendera, residents are demanding swift action and lasting solutions to a crisis that has left families shattered and a village on edge.
