Langas Children Missing: Human Rights Activists Call for Investigation into Church and Occult Activity
“We are concerned that certain churches within the Langas informal settlement could be behind the increased cases of disappearances of young children, specifically young girls, we demand a probe into some of the said churches”
Kapseret subcounty deputy police commander Sarah Chumo
By Vivian Cheptoo
The once-joyful community of Langas in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, is now gripped by fear. A shadow has fallen over the town as more than 30 children, most under the age of 8, have vanished without a trace in the past two months. The string of disappearances has sparked worries of child trafficking, leaving parents, especially mothers, constantly anxious.
Jennifer Achieng’s story exemplifies the heartbreak felt by many families. “They were playing outside the gate with other children,” Achieng recounted, her voice thick with emotion, as she spoke of her 1 year and 7-month-old daughter, Joyline Mali, who disappeared on January 4th, 2024.
“When I went to get her for tea, the other children said they couldn’t find her. We searched everywhere with neighbors’ help, but nobody knew where she went. The children playing with her said a woman came and took her away, but they don’t know where the woman went.”
The fear extends beyond Achieng’s family. In Langas’ Thekatheka area, another family reported their 9-year-old granddaughter missing on February 24th, 2024, around 6:00 PM. “She was studying in Solasa,” said Josphine Mwihaki, the tearful grandmother. “But the day she went missing on Saturday, they had not gone to school.”
These disappearances have ignited criticism of the police response. Many feel the authorities are not taking the situation seriously enough. “They take it so lightly,” said Benson Juma, a human rights activist, his voice laced with frustration. “Over 30 children missing without a trace – it’s not an easy issue.”
Adding another layer of concern, human rights activist Kimutai Kirui has urged the police to explore the possibility of occult activity. “We are concerned that certain churches within the Langas informal settlement could be behind the increased cases of disappearances of young children, specifically young girls, we demand a probe into some of the said churches” Kirui said.
However, Kapseret subcounty deputy police commander Sarah Chumo offered a different perspective. She claims that at least four missing children were due to parental negligence, particularly among single mothers or those involved in consuming illicit brews.
Hubzmedia has established ,Schools within Kapseret sub-county have implemented new measures requiring parents and guardians to sign a document when dropping off or picking up their children.
The disappearances have sparked outrage, fear, and finger-pointing. As the investigation unfolds, the Langas community desperately waits for answers and, more importantly, the safe return of their children.
About Author
