Residents of South Maragoli in Vihiga County are mourning the tragic death of a Grade 9 pupil whose body was discovered dumped in a culvert near her home after she had gone missing for two days.
The body of Dalon Kanaga, a pupil at Masana Comprehensive School, was found on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in a bush near her family’s compound, sending shock and fear across the community.
According to family members, Dalon left home for school on Monday morning, May 18, but failed to return in the evening, prompting concern among relatives and residents who began searching for her.
Reports indicate that her lifeless body was later discovered partially covered in a culvert. Residents alleged that she had been sexually assaulted before being strangled using barbed wire.
Pastor Elikah Ashenzi, who was among the first people at the scene, said the body was spotted while residents were collecting firewood in the nearby bush.
The victim’s mother, Violet Minyoso Bwere, broke down in tears as she painfully recounted the last moment with her daughter before she received the shocking news about her daughter’s death.
“She left home for school like any other day. I never imagined that this would be the last time I would see my daughter alive,” she said.
The grieving mother described Dalon as disciplined, obedient, and focused on her education and appealed to security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The incident has sparked fear and anger among residents, with many expressing concerns over rising insecurity cases in the area.
Parents in the area expressed fear and worry about the safety of their children while going to and from school, following reports of violent incidents, including murder and sexual violence, in parts of the county.
The brutal killing disrupted normal activities in the area, with residents calling for increased security patrols and swift action from law enforcement agencies.
Community members urged security officials to intensify investigations, arrest the perpetrators, and restore public confidence and safety within the region.
Police confirmed that the body was retrieved from the scene and taken to a local mortuary for preservation and postmortem examination as investigations continue.
Security officers said detectives secured the scene and launched preliminary investigations aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Residents have also been urged to cooperate with investigators by providing any information that may help in identifying and arresting those behind the crime.
By Henry Ananda
