Garissa County is on high alert following disturbing reports of missing schoolchildren from two primary schools, raising fears of possible human trafficking incidents.
In the first case, three Grade eight girls from Iftin primary school reportedly disappeared last week under mysterious circumstances.
According to their parents, the girls were close friends and went missing on the same day, prompting immediate concern.
The parents say they reported the matter to the police and identified a suspect with whom the girls had frequently communicated before their disappearance.
The suspect was reportedly arrested but later released under unclear circumstances, raising questions and frustration among the affected families.
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“We are desperate for answers. Our children vanished without a trace after constant contact with this individual,” one parent said, calling for urgent intervention from security agencies.
In a separate but equally worrying incident, 12 pupils from Yathrib Primary School in Garissa town are also reported missing. School authorities and parents suspect the disappearances may be linked to organized human trafficking networks targeting vulnerable children in the region.
However, no official breakthrough has been reported so far.
The twin incidents have sparked fear among residents, with calls for heightened security, community vigilance, and faster police action to trace the missing children and dismantle any networks involved.
Authorities are yet to confirm whether the cases are directly linked, but pressure is mounting for urgent action as families continue to search for answers and hope for the safe return of the children.
By Abdille Hussein
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