Cannibalism and human organ harvesting have reached crisis levels in West Pokot County, crime data in the north-western Kenya show.

West Pokot, synonymous with pastoralist economy, has historically been known for cattle rustling and banditry but the shift in crime trends has alarmed local authorities that have now to grapple with hitherto unknown form of ‘disappearances’.

In the wake of reports of rise in cannibalism and human organ harvesting security apparatus in the region are now on high alert. Police and administrators have launched a manhunt for perpetrators who are said to be targeting mainly juveniles.

So far, 13 suspects have been arrested following reports of alleged cannibalism and human organ harvesting in West Pokot County.

Area County Commissioner Abudullai Khalif said in a press statement that six of the suspects have reportedly confessed to abducting and killing juveniles for organ harvests and cannibalism. This follows intense investigations by security agencies, Khalif said.

The authorities revealed further that, there are currently eight reported missing persons – three adults and five children, with additional cases suspected but not yet officially reported.

The issue came to light following a report filed on June 11, 2025, at Kapenguria Police Station by Diana Cherop, whose son, Brighton Kibet, had gone missing. On July 1, a mutilated body of a child was found in a maize plantation near the homestead of one of the suspects.

A post-mortem confirmed the body to be Brighton’s and the remains were released to the family for burial.

Tension escalated on Sunday evening when angry residents barricaded the Kitale-Kapenguria highway, blocking commuters plying the route to elicit the attention the local authorities, who they accuse of sleeping on the job.

The protests turned violent as residents engaged the police in running battles when they tried opening up the roads using teargas, gunfire. The demonstrators responded with stones that mirrored the tense and chaotic atmosphere in the region.

To avoid further unrest, the suspects were transferred to Kitale Police Station, then arraigned in court on Monday where the magistrate granted a 21-day remand period for investigations. The suspects are now being held at Kitale Remand Prison.

County Commissioner Khalif condemned the incitement of residents by political leaders and warned of strict action against anyone attempting to interfere with the judicial process.

He confirmed that the prime suspects reside in illegal settlements in the Bendera area. He explained that such structures – built on public land – will be demolished, with the land reclaimed by the government.

The county security committee has further resolved to vet all foreign nationals from neighbouring countries, especially those residing in Kapenguria, Makutano and Bendera, to establish their legal status and activities.

While underlining Kenya’s commitment to the spirit of East African cooperation and freedom of movement, Commissioner Khalif said the security of the country comes first.

He also confirmed that 18 Eritrean nationals nabbed last week along the Kenya – Uganda border at Amakuriat village in Alale will be charged for being in the country without proper documentation.

The county commissioner also warned the irate youth who were planning to attack the police station to abandon the plan in favour of law and order.  H assured the youth that the matters is now being handled by law enforcers.

The residents have been urged to maintain peace and keep vigilance on activities going on among their communities. They were also assured of their safety as investigations are ongoing and that justice will prevail on the scary unprecedented occurrences in the recent past.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Parklea Ivor and Victor Musamali

West Pokot County Commissioner Abudullai Khalif, accompanied by members of the County Security Committee when he issued a press statement addressing the alarming case of cannibalism within the county at his offices in Kapenguria Town on July 7, 2025. Photo by Parklea Ivor