13-year-old boy commits suicide after his mother accused him of stealing rice

A 13-year-old boy from Rurii village in Mwea West, Kirinyaga County, on Sunday committed suicide after his mother accused him of stealing rice from area residents.

Confirming the incident, Wamumu location Chief Godfrey Mithamo said the Class Seven pupil at Rurii Primary School hung himself using a rope in his uncle’s rented house.

According to the deceased’s aunt, Sylvia Wangui, the boy had been cautioned by his mother against the company of a friend with whom they had earlier been accused by villagers of stealing rice from their homes.

Ms. Wangui further added that the boy had also been castigated by his mother about “poor performance” in school.

The boy reportedly lived with his uncle David Njogu in a rented house – where he committed the act – about 500 meters from his mother’s house.

Mr. Njogu expressed shock at receiving the news saying he left the boy sleeping in the house on Sunday morning.

The body of the deceased was moved to Kerugoya Referral Hospital mortuary pending postmortem.