Mystery of boy, 17, who left home in March, never to be seen again

On March 24, James Vala, dressed in dark grey jeans, a black jumper, and a cape, left home in Langas Estate, Eldoret - never to return.

The 17-year-old form two student at Wareng High School in Uasin Gishu had lunch with his younger brother, Alex Ndandu before he left home.

What followed is an agonising search that until yesterday afternoon, was yet to bear fruits.

Ndandu still wonders where his brother is. "I thought he had gone to see my mother who sells groceries in Kona Mbaya, a stone-throw away from the house. That day, my brother was calm and compost." 

His mother Rose Mwongeli said she left the house to attend to her grocery business after lunch, only to find out later that her son was missing.

Mwongeli said the family launched a search the following day in neighbours' houses, but it was all in vain.

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"Vala was a quiet boy and didn't have many friends. He always stays at home during the school holidays. I was shocked he just left home. He carried no clothes," Mwongeli said.

She added, "I have been crying every night, but I still cling to the hope that my son is alive and I urge him to return home".

The mother said her missing son is an obedient child who has not had any indiscipline issues either at school or at home.

Vala's father Paul Matheka, a fruit vendor in Eldoret, said he reported the missing child case to Langas Police Station on March 28 after a frantic search.

"I have been visiting several police stations in Uasin Gishu including Langas and Eldoret Central to find out if the police have received any reports. Unfortunately, they have no information," Mr Matheka said.

The devastated father said he has also asked his classmates and relatives about Vala's whereabouts but no one has spotted him since he disappeared over three weeks ago. 

"I thought and hoped that he had travelled to Machakos or Makueni to meet his relatives, and he could not travel back home because of the lockdown in five counties, announced by the President two days after he disappeared, but I was wrong," he said. 

Matheka said he was still hopeful that his son will soon return home. He said asked anyone who has spotted his son to contact the police. 

A police officer handling the case at Langas police station said his photo was circulated, but they were yet to receive any feedback.