A woman in Homa Bay has been arrested for allegedly burning her child's fingers as punishment for theft after allegedly stealing food from their neighbour.
The woman set ablaze a twisted plastic material before using it to burn the child at Shauri Yako estate in Homa Bay town.
A neighbour went to rescue the boy following his bitter cry then reported the incident to Homa Bay Township sublocation assistant chief Salim Nyauke.
The suspect is expected to be charged with assault once investigations are complete.
Further, it is reported that the suspect arrived home in the evening and discovered that her last born child had allegedly gained access and ate some meat food from a neighbour.
“The woman got annoyed and burnt the boy’s fingers immediately after she received information that he ate the meat. I don’t know whether the person whose food was eaten complained,” a neighbour said.
Speaking to journalists over the matter, Nyauke said he and concerned residents arrested the woman and took her to Homa Bay police station.
The suspect is a single mother with four children.
It is reported that the four children were playing outside when her last born son sneaked into the neighbour’s house and ate the food.
According to Nyauke, the child is accused of eating liver, which the neighbour had prepared for supper.
“The boy was found eating the meat by one of the neighbour's kids whom they were playing with. The children, whose food was eaten, reported to their mother,” Nyauke said.
When the suspect arrived, she was informed about what her child did. She decided to punish the child by burning her fingers inside their house.
“The nylon bag dripped hot liquid as it melted and burned the fingers of the boy,” he added.
The suspect is arraigned in court.
