Police in Nandi County have launched an urgent investigation into the shocking disappearance of a seven-month-old baby in Kamatargui, a small village near Kapsabet town. The incident, which occurred two weeks ago, has left the family in distress and the community in fear as they await news on the missing child.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, had reportedly sought a casual job in the area but later vanished with both the baby, Johnson Dida Ochieng, and household belongings from the residence of 20-year-old Agnes Jerop. Jerop, who recently completed her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), was living with her parents at the time of the incident.
Narrating her ordeal to the police, Jerop said she had left her baby in the care of a neighbour—who had been in the area for just two weeks—while she went to the river to wash clothes. Upon returning home, she was devastated to find that both her baby and her property had disappeared without a trace.
“I left my baby with the neighbour I had trusted, thinking he would be safe, but when I came back, I found my house empty. My son was gone, and so were all my belongings. I have searched everywhere but found nothing,” Jerop recounted, her voice filled with anguish.
Family members and neighbours have since mounted a relentless search for the missing child but to no avail. The uncertainty has heightened anxiety within the community, prompting calls for swift action from law enforcement agencies.
Kapsabet town Police Commander Moris Okul has assured the public that investigations are actively ongoing. He has urged residents to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect and the safe return of the baby.
“We are doing everything possible to track down the suspect and recover the child. However, we also need the cooperation of the public. If anyone has seen or heard anything suspicious, we urge them to report to the nearest police station immediately,” Okul stated.
In light of this incident, the police have advised landlords and employers to exercise caution when allowing new tenants or workers into their premises. Okul emphasized the importance of conducting thorough background checks and requesting copies of national identity cards before admitting strangers into homes or workplaces.
“You should be careful before renting out your property to strangers. Let them provide identification details so that, in case of such incidents, police can quickly track them,” he advised.
As the search for baby Johnson Dida Ochieng continues, the family remains hopeful that their child will be found safe. The distressing incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in ensuring safety within residential areas.
