Residents of Suba North, Homa Bay County, are reeling after the tragic killing of a Grade 7 pupil identified as Mary Teresa, whose body was discovered hours after she was reported missing.
According to her family, Mary left school at lunchtime but never made it home, prompting her mother to alert neighbours. A community search was immediately launched, only to end in heartbreak when the girl’s body was found in a bushy area near her home.
Confirming the incident, Homa Bay Woman Representative Hon. Atieno Bensouda revealed that police have already arrested two suspects in connection with the case, while a third suspect is still being sought.
“I would like to confirm that the police have arrested two people over the killing of young Mary Teresa. It is extremely unfortunate that a child could be subjected to such cruelty. Police investigations also indicate that more than two people may have been involved, and we urge them to ensure the third suspect is arrested,” Bensouda stated.
The legislator condemned the incident in the strongest terms, questioning why grown men would inflict such violence on a child. She called for swift justice to ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
“We are not going to allow this. Let the police do their job and ensure these suspects face justice. Such acts cannot be tolerated in our society,” she added.
Police have confirmed that forensic evidence has been collected to aid in the prosecution of the suspects.
The killing has sparked outrage among residents and renewed calls for stronger child protection measures in Homa Bay and across Kenya. Community leaders, parents, and children’s rights advocates are urging authorities to not only deliver justice for Mary but also to strengthen prevention systems to protect other minors from similar attacks.
As investigations continue, Mary Teresa’s family and the entire Suba North community are demanding that justice be served swiftly and firmly, ensuring her death does not become just another unsolved case.
