Woman sets son ablaze over Ksh.40

A 12-year-old boy from Babu Village in Kakamega County is nursing serious injuries after he was set on fire by his mother for allegedly stealing Ksh. 40.

The Class Four pupil, who was admitted at Likuyani Hospital, said the incident occurred on Monday afternoon after he had returned home from school.

“I took the forty shillings as lunch money when I made my way to school. After I got back my mother grabbed me and confronted me about the money,” said the boy.

“After I confessed to having taken the money, my mother beat me up with a cane first. She then tied down my hands and set me ablaze. I was however lucky enough to run into a maize field where I was able to douse the flames.”

Area Chief Charles Banda condemned the incident, noting that serious action ought to be taken against the woman.

“The act was very inhumane and brutal especially when you consider the fact that a mother set her first born son on fire,” said Banda.

“The woman needs to be punished for her actions so she can serve as an example to parents abusing their children.”