Boy set to join Form One found dead in maize farm

Manyatta Kobodo Mortuary where the body is being preserved. [James Omoro, Standard]

A 17-year-old boy who was supposed to join Form One next week has been found dead in a maize farm.

Identified as Raila Onyango, the deceased was found dead in maize plantation at Komungu Sub-location in Ndhiwa Sub-county on Saturday.

The decomposing body was found by residents who had gone to harvest maize in the said farm.

They said the spotted the body of the deceased dangling on a rope that was tied to a tree within the plantation.

Area Assistant chief Kenneth Ogutu said the deceased left home about a week ago for unknown destination.

"Onyango is said to have gone missing from his parents' home without telling the parents anything. We suspect that he could have committed suicide," said Ogutu.

The chief said his parents had however confirmed that he did not leave them any note that could indicate that he was going to commit suicide.

"His body is decomposing an indication that he died some days ago. Although we suspect suicide, he did not leave any indication," Ogutu added.

His parents said Onyango sat for the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination at Ochol Primary School where he scored 201 marks.

He had received a calling letter of Goyo Mixed Secondary School before he was found dead.

Ndhiwa Sub-County Police Commander Paul Rioba said they have launched investigations to establish the cause of the death.

Rioba said the body of the deceased was moved to Manyatta Kobodo mortuary for postmortem.