13 Ugandan Suspects Arraigned in Kitale Court Over Child Killings in West Pokot

Thirteen Ugandan nationals accused of abducting, killing, and allegedly eating children in the Karas area of West Pokot County were on Monday arraigned in Kitale Law Courts. The horrifying case has sent shockwaves across the region, prompting nationwide attention and a multi-agency investigation.

During the court session, the magistrate ordered that six of the suspects undergo age assessment to determine whether they were minors. The remaining seven suspects will be held at Kitale Police Station to allow police to complete investigations and track down additional suspects who are still at large.

Youngest Suspect is 10 Years Old

Among the 13 accused is a 10-year-old boy, raising serious concerns about the involvement of minors in violent crimes and the potential existence of cross-border child exploitation or trafficking networks.

Investigators are working to establish the full scope of the alleged acts, which include ritualistic killings and acts of cannibalism, as earlier reported by local authorities and community members in West Pokot.

Police Tighten Investigations

Police say the suspects were linked to multiple cases of child disappearances and gruesome murders in the Bendera and Karas areas, where mutilated bodies were reportedly found in maize plantations and pit latrines.

The arrest follows days of intense investigations and public pressure. While demonstrations were held in previous days in Kapenguria town, today remained calm as residents await further updates from authorities and the courts.

Cross-Border Crime Concerns

The case has raised regional security concerns, with calls for tighter surveillance along the Kenya-Uganda border. Leaders and human rights groups are urging the government to treat the case as both a criminal and humanitarian emergency, especially considering the age of some of the accused.