A family at London Estate in Narok town is still looking for their 14-year-old son who went missing six weeks ago.
The family of Sylvester Lomo and Millicent Okoth, who are casual labourers in Narok town said their son Gabriel Antony, who is a class seven pupil at Ilmashariani Primary School, did not return back home from school on December 6, 2021.
This forced the family to report the matter to the police station and the Children’s Office where the incident was recorded in the Occurrence Book at London Police Post.
Mrs. Okoth said her efforts to search for the boy among the Narok street boys and at relatives’ homes proved futile as no one could trace his whereabouts.
The boy is the firstborn son in the family of four and her mother described him as a quiet, humble and hardworking boy who always returned home early.
Mrs Okoth accused the school of neglecting her during these painful moments as she was turned away from the school compound when she sought assistance.
“The boy went missing while in school. His bag was brought home by one of his friends who said that my son had gone off during break time saying he had been sent to the shopping centre by a class teacher. Since then he has never come back,” narrated the distraught mother.
Ilmashariani Primary School Head Teacher Ms. Jane Sankok however shifted the blame to the parents, claiming the boy could have run away from home because of domestic issues as he was living with a step-father.
Sylvester Lomo, the boy’s foster father reiterated they have been spending sleepless nights since Gabriel disappeared.
“I have been having sleepless nights since my boy went missing almost four weeks ago. I am praying to God that one day I find him alive,” he told KNA.
He said this has destabilized them as a family as they cannot concentrate on their casual jobs, asking any person who finds his son to report to any police station.
“We have been struggling since this boy went missing. Sometimes we are forced to spend a whole day looking for him, compromising our livelihood,” he added.
Apostle Isaac Mwangi, a neighbour to the family said he has known Gabriel as an obedient boy who loved playing with other children.
Pastor Joseph Kamau of Victorious Church, who is also the caretaker of the house the family lives in said he has joined the family in searching for the boy in vain.
Kamau observed that the family of the young boy has been living in peace since he knew them five years ago as there has been no single day the couple has ever fought one another to trigger the boy to run away to seek comfort from other places.
The boy went missing while in school uniform: A navy blue short, white shirt and a blue sweater.
Members of the public knowing the whereabouts of the child have been advised to report to any police station or call the cellphone number: 0701783708.
Source: Kenya News Agency