A 12-year-old boy has stabbed to death his 16-year-old friend after they differed over toys as they were playing at a home in Eldoret.
Uasin Gishu County police commander Benjamin Mwanji confirmed that the incident took place at a house in Kipkaren Estate In the outskirts of the city.
Mwanthi said the 16-year-old boy had visited a neighbour’s house where the two were playing with toys but differed in the process.
“The 12-year-old suddenly rushed to the kitchen and returned with a knife, which he used to stab his friend in the chest," said Mwanthi.
He said there were no adults at the time, but some neighbours were attracted to the house as the victim cried out in pain.
The badly injured boy, who was bleeding was rushed to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Mwathi said the boy who attacked his friend and his parents were helping police with investigations.
“We are investigating this unfortunate incident, but we urge parents to be keen with their children during this holiday period," Mwanthi said.
He said parents must ensure children play in safe environments away from harmful objects. The incident left residents of the Kipkaren estate in shock, and police who visited the scene had a difficult time controlling crowds.
Police recovered from the home a knife suspected to have been used in the killing.
The boys are both Grade 5 pupils at a local school.
Mwanthi said parents should exercise high responsibility over children now that schools are closed for the December holidays.
“We have many cases of parents neglecting their children without close observation, and this leads to such incidents," Mwanthi said.
Bishop David Kimani who is also a resident of the Kipkaren Estate, said parents should also limit viewing of violent incidents which they end up copying and applying the same.
