Mourners gathered at Masana Comprehensive School in South Maragoli on Saturday to honour the short life of 14-year-old Dralon Kanaga, a Grade 9 student whose brutal murder has left the community reeling with shock and anger.
The teenager was violently assaulted, sexually abused, and strangled with barbed wire.
In strict accordance with Maragoli cultural beliefs, Kanaga was laid to rest on Friday night at her family’s home in Kisuza Village.
Under Maragoli tradition, an “abnormal” or violent death is treated with deep ritual gravity.
The community believes a nighttime burial honours the deceased, appeases the unsettled spirit to prevent it from haunting the area, and protects living family members from misfortune.
Local leaders and community members gathered to condole with the bereaved family. Dr Jane Imbunya, Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, visited the family late this evening, Saturday, to pay her tribute.
While paying her tribute, the Principal Secretary strongly condemned the heinous act, alongside the rising vice of alcoholism, which she blamed for fuelling societal decay.
“No parent should ever have to bury a child under such horrific circumstances”, Dr Imbunya said, assuring the family that she would remain at the frontline of demanding accountability. She promised that swift investigations would be carried out to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
Emuhaya Member of Parliament Omboko Milemba, who attended the final send-off ceremony, vowed to engage the area MP so that together they can pursue the matter at the parliamentary level and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice. “Dralon’s life mattered, and her family deserves answers, accountability, and justice,” he cautioned.
The legislator also called upon the Ministry of Education (MoE) to review school reporting and closing times. Learners should report to school at 7:15 a.m. and be released early enough to enable them to travel safely to and from school, particularly in rural areas where many walk long distances.
He further urged parents to avoid placing excessive pressure on teachers to deliver academic results, noting that such demands often lead to extended learning hours that may expose learners to unnecessary risks.
” In addition, the increasing number of dormitory fires reported across the country calls for bold and urgent action,” he said.
“The MoE should initiate a national conversation on the gradual adoption of day schools, a model that has been successfully implemented in many countries. Allowing learners to remain with their families enhances safety, strengthens parental guidance, and helps reduce the cost of education,” he added
Vihiga County Women Representative, Hon. Beatrice Adagala, also addressed the mourners when she visited the home, stating that the tragedy represents a larger, painful reflection of insecurity and moral collapse threatening local children.
“Standing in the position of a mother and a protector of the people, I demand immediate and firm action from our law enforcement agencies,” Adagala urged.
She warned that administrative delays and weak responses only embolden criminals and expose more innocent children to danger.
“To the family of Dralon Kanaga, please know that you are not alone in this difficult season. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we stand firmly beside you as you seek justice for your daughter,” Adagala concluded.
Aspiring Vihiga Woman Representative Winny Majani, while addressing the mourners at Masana Comprehensive School, condemned the killing of the Grade 9 student, describing the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
She called for swift investigations and urged law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
By Anna Achieng and Rose Wasike
