Tension gripped Kadege village in Nyando, Kisumu County, after the body of a 13-year-old boy was discovered murdered, sparking mob violence that claimed another life.

According to police reports, the Grade Seven pupil at Holo Orucho Primary School went missing on Sunday when his mother had gone to bathe at a nearby river, leaving him with his younger sister. On returning home, she could not find her son and raised alarm.

A search by neighbours led to the shocking discovery of the boy’s body about 200 meters from their homestead. Police said the child had visible strangulation marks on his neck. Shockingly, a four-month-old baby was also found abandoned in a thicket nearby but was rescued alive.

Suspicion quickly fell on Joan Akech, a 30-year-old family friend, who had earlier told the boy’s mother that two strangers were looking for her. Enraged villagers accused her of being involved in the boy’s killing.

Before police could intervene, the mob descended on her with stones and sticks, killing her on the spot.

Both bodies were taken to the mortuary for autopsy as investigations continue. Police have strongly condemned the lynching, urging residents to avoid mob justice and instead hand over suspects to authorities.

“Mob justice undermines investigations and denies suspects the right to due process,” a police spokesperson said.

The incident has left Kadege village in shock as residents demand answers surrounding the brutal killing of the young boy.