Relief as two minors found in Kayole after three weeks missing

The minors were traced to the Kayole area where they had been placed after they were found. Their three-week ordeal has raised pressing questions about child safety, urban mobility, and the role of public awareness.  

Two missing children, Ketra and Juneida, were joyfully reunited with their family today in Nairobi’s Lucky Summer estate, ending a harrowing three-week search that had gripped the community. Tears flowed freely as the girls were embraced by their mother, Josphine Otindo, and their grandmother, who was overcome with emotion despite her limited mobility.

The breakthrough came shortly after Citizen TV aired a report on the family’s plight. The children were discovered at the Hope Child Rescue Center in Kayole, where they had been staying after a good Samaritan found them and took them to Mugendi Police Station in Soweto. The center’s director, Michael Oduor Makokha, had kept the children safe while awaiting identification.

Michael Oduor Makokha, director of Hope Child Rescue Center, said, “Nikaambia polisi wacha wakae tu hapa najua one time tutajua wazazi wako wapi. I thank the media haswa Citizen TV kwa kuhighlight this plight mpaka the parents have joined together with this children.”

Josphine Otindo expressed gratitude for the reunion, recalling the anguish of searching since August 31 without any leads. She said, “Nimefurahia kupata mtoto wangu na cousin yangu, nashukuru ti sana Citizen TV kutusaidia kupata watoto. Since 31st tukiwatafuta tukitembea kila mahali hatupati any news or any report, nimefurahi sana kupata watoto wetu.”

Neighbors and relatives gathered at the family’s home, where the reunion turned into a moment of collective relief and celebration. The children were handed over to their grandmother.