Residents of Witeithie, Maraba and Muthaara areas in Juja, Kiambu County, have raised concerns over an alleged surge in child abductions, saying several children have gone missing in the neighbourhoods in recent weeks. According to the residents, at least four children are believed to have been abducted from Maraba and Muthaara within the last two weeks. While two of the children were later found alive, the circumstances surrounding the remaining cases were still unclear as of Wednesday.
One of the incidents highlighted by residents involved a Grade Nine pupil who was reportedly abducted on Monday while on an errand to a nearby shop in Maraba after being sent by her mother. The child was later found the same night in Kimuchu village, Kiganjo area in Thika, several kilometres away from her home. Residents accused police of responding slowly to reports of the incidents, claiming that the lack of visible patrols had increased fear and anxiety among families in the affected areas.
To draw attention to the issue, locals on Wednesday staged demonstrations along sections of the Thika Superhighway, temporarily disrupting traffic for about 30 minutes. Protesters called for enhanced police patrols, speedy investigations and the arrest of individuals suspected to be linked to child trafficking. Some residents warned that continued inaction by authorities could heighten tensions within the community. Traffic along the highway was later restored after police intervened and brought the situation under control.
