Shock as baby taken for traditional rites in Malava ends up being killed with uncle as prime suspect

Residents of Matioli area in Butali-Chegulo Ward, Malava Constituency, are reeling from shock and grief after a 39-year-old man allegedly slaughtered his brother-in-law's 1-month-old son under mysterious circumstances.

Confirming the incident, Matioli Location Chief Daniel Chimuche Mlambula stated that the suspect, identified as Amondo Mola, had received his brother-in-law who had brought the infant for a traditional shaving ceremony — a customary rite of passage in the Luhya community.

However, the event took a horrific turn when the baby was reportedly killed during the visit.

“I received a report from a resident that someone had slaughtered a baby,” said Chief Mlambula.

The child's mother, identified only as Mary, had travelled from Nairobi where the baby’s father works. It is reported that she had travelled home to perform the traditional ceremony.

The motive behind the killing remains unclear. The suspect was apprehended and taken to Kabras Police Post, where investigations have been launched.

The body of the child was taken to the mortuary.